Got a Dutch Oven for the Holidays? Here are 4 One-Pot Recipes to Make In It

Dutch ovens are a heavy-duty kitchen favorite, but the Dutch oven one-pot recipes you cook up in these hefty, colorful inventions is proof positive that making meals for yourself doesn’t hours and dirtying every dish in your cupboard.

Whether you want something comforting and rich—who doesn’t love a giant bubbly pot of home-cooked mac and cheese every now and then? Or something that ticks off all the nutritional boxes, if you were gifted a Dutch oven over the holidays or you’re just looking to up your one-pot recipe game, don’t miss these must-try, comforting, and nourishing one-pot favorites from Cook With Us, a YouTube series from team Well+Good.

1. One Pot Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Packed with nutritious veggies and topped off with a layer of vegan mashed potatoes, this easy spin on a classic is lighter thanks to delicious brown lentils, cauliflower, and mushrooms—all done in one pot—and comes together in a flash. Chef Palak Patel calls it “the perfect Sunday supper,” and it’s easy to see why.

2. Warming One-Pot Vegetable Dal

There may not be anything better on a chilly winter night than a steaming pot of spicy, warming dal. In just three simple steps with your tried-and-true Dutch oven, red and brown lentils are simmered in a mix of delicious spices with tomato paste, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Start by heating cumin seeds over medium-high heat. This releases the essential oils in the spice, creating a rich, enhanced flavor. Next, add onions, garlic, and ginger, and saute. Combine spices, vegetables, lentils, and water. Cover and simmer, then add lemon juice, spinach, and cilantro. Tuck in and enjoy.

3. Wild Rice Porridge

Porridge gets a bad rep. But this high-fiber, warming breakfast is a delicious upgrade to your typical oatmeal. Make a big pot for the week and dress it up with all your favorite toppings for an easy, hearty, and healthy winter breakfast. In your Dutch oven (or a rice cooker), combine wild rice, water, and dried cranberries. Simmer until the water is gone, leaving rice that is overcooked and extremely soft. With an immersion blender, blend the entire contents of the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the porridge to a blender. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded coconut, pepitas, maple syrup, and dried fruit.

4. Smoky Carrot Soup

Okay, we could all use an extra immunity boost to start out the new year. Chef Julia Turshen, the founder of Equity at the Table, delivers just the ticket with this smoky carrot one-pot soup. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Bonus points for this delicious, simple weeknight dinner? You’ve probably got everything you need right in your pantry or fridge. The smoky flavor comes a hearty tablespoon of smoked Spanish paprika. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add vegetables and pimentón (aka paprika), pepper, and salt. Cook until tender. Add stock and carrot juice and bring to a boil, then lower and simmer until the carrots are extremely tender. Finally, puree with an immersion blender until smooth. Top with sour cream and serve hot.

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