Inflammation can wreak havoc on our bodies, leading to a variety of health issues. One way to combat inflammation is through our diet. Incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients into our meals can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. One-pot meals are a convenient and simple way to incorporate these ingredients into our daily diet.
Below are 6 anti-inflammatory one-pot meals that are not only delicious but also packed with ingredients that can help reduce inflammation in the body:
Benefits of Anti-Inflammatory One-Pot Meals:
- Reduced inflammation in the body
- Improved overall health and well-being
- Convenient and time-saving meal options
- Packed with nutrients and antioxidants
Main Ingredients in Anti-Inflammatory One-Pot Meals:
- Turmeric: known for its anti-inflammatory properties
- Ginger: helps reduce inflammation and improve digestion
- Garlic: contains compounds that can help fight inflammation
- Leafy greens: rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
- Whole grains: provide fiber and nutrients that can help reduce inflammation
- Healthy fats: such as olive oil and avocado, known for their anti-inflammatory benefits
By incorporating these ingredients into your meals, you can help reduce inflammation in your body and improve your overall health. Try out these delicious and nutritious one-pot meals to start reaping the benefits today!
1. Turmeric Chicken and Quinoa with Spinach and Sweet Potatoes
This hearty, one-pot meal combines anti-inflammatory powerhouses like turmeric, quinoa, spinach, and sweet potatoes. The result is a nutritious, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup (240ml) quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 2 tsp (10g) ground turmeric
- 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5g) ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Stir in turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Add the diced sweet potato, quinoa, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the quinoa and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
2. Ginger Lentil Stew with Carrots and Kale
This hearty and nutritious Ginger Lentil Stew is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and kale. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils (190g)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cups vegetable broth (720ml)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (15g)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric (5g)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (5g)
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Cooking Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground turmeric and cumin, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the sliced carrots, lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and carrots are tender.
- Stir in the chopped kale, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the kale is wilted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your healthy and anti-inflammatory meal!
3. Mediterranean Chickpea Stew
This hearty, plant-based stew is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like chickpeas, tomatoes, and spinach. It’s both flavorful and nutritious, perfect for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz / 410 g)
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (15 oz / 425 g)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (480 ml)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (5 g)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (5 g)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (120 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, ground cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
4. Turmeric Quinoa Pilaf
This vibrant quinoa pilaf is loaded with anti-inflammatory turmeric and a variety of colorful vegetables, making it a visually appealing and health-boosting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (15 ml)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (190 g)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (480 ml)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric (5 g)
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup peas (150 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Method
- In a large pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, and ground turmeric. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in diced carrot, bell pepper, and peas. Cook for another 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
5. Ginger Miso Soup
This soothing soup combines the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger with the umami flavor of miso, making it a comforting and nourishing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (15 ml)
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced (2.5 cm)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth (1.4 liters)
- 3 tbsp miso paste (45 g)
- 1 block tofu, cubed (14 oz / 400 g)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (150 g)
- 2 cups baby spinach (60 g)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Cooking Method
- Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced ginger and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and whisk in miso paste until fully dissolved.
- Add cubed tofu and sliced mushrooms, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
6. Curried Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
This nourishing stew is a delightful blend of lentils and sweet potatoes, spiced with curry powder for a warming, anti-inflammatory meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder (15 g)
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed (200 g)
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (960 ml)
- 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz / 400 ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooking Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and curry powder, cook for another minute.
- Add rinsed lentils, diced sweet potatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in coconut milk and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.