That’s where one-pot meals become your rainy-day saviour. These dishes are simple, satisfying, and require minimal effort, making them ideal for lazy afternoons, late-night hunger, or when you're just not in the mood for a kitchen marathon.
Here are 5 easy one-pot meals that make the most of monsoon season—flavourful, filling, and made for the drizzle.
1. Masala Khichdi – The Warm Hug You Can Eat
Why it works:
A rainy-day staple in most Indian households, this spiced rice-and-dal combo is soothing, hearty, and easy on digestion—perfect for moody monsoon evenings.
What you need:
½ cup rice
½ cup moong dal or toor dal
Chopped vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potato)
Ghee, cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, garlic, salt
How to make it:
In a pressure cooker or heavy-bottomed pot, temper the spices in ghee, sauté veggies, add washed rice and dal, water, salt, and cook until soft. Serve with curd, pickle, or crispy papad.
Add ginger and a pinch of hing for extra warmth and digestion.
2. Garlic Butter Ramen – 10-Minute Soul Food
Why it works:
This is comfort food with a kick. A warm bowl of soupy noodles, jazzed up with garlic, butter, and a hint of spice—it’s your instant ramen glow-up.
What you need:
1 packet instant noodles
5–6 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
1 tbsp butter
Soy sauce or Hot & Sweet sauce
Optional toppings: egg, spinach, mushrooms, cheese
How to make it:
Sauté garlic in butter till golden, add water and seasonings, toss in noodles, and simmer. Top with your choice of extras.
Feeling indulgent? Add a cheese slice or spoonful of peanut butter for creamy magic.
3. Pav Bhaji Pulav – When Street Food Meets Simplicity
Why it works:
All the flavour of Mumbai’s favourite pav bhaji, but cooked like a pulav. This one-pot twist is bold, spicy, and deeply satisfying—perfect with a squeeze of lime and a rainy backdrop.
What you need:
1 cup basmati rice
Boiled potatoes, peas, capsicum, onion, tomato
Garlic, butter, pav bhaji masala
Water, coriander
How to make it:
Sauté garlic and veggies in butter, add masala, stir in rice and water, cook until done. Garnish with coriander and a lemon wedge.
Pairs perfectly with a hot buttered pav or plain curd.
4. Creamy Tomato Pasta – Desi-Italian in One Pot
Why it works:
This is for the Gen Z and college crowd looking for café vibes at home. A creamy, tangy tomato-based pasta that comes together with minimal effort—and no straining drama.
What you need:
Pasta (penne or fusilli)
Onion, garlic, tomatoes (or puree)
Milk/cream, cheese (optional), herbs
Salt, chilli flakes, oregano
How to make it:
Sauté onion and garlic, add tomatoes and seasonings, pour in water or milk and pasta, cook until pasta absorbs liquid. Stir in cream or grated cheese at the end.
Add spinach or corn for extra texture and nutrients.
5. Moong Dal Cheela Chaat – The High-Protein Comfort Bowl
Why it works:
A twist on the classic cheela, this recipe uses leftover cheelas or freshly made ones torn into pieces and tossed with tangy toppings—served warm like a one-pot snacky meal.
What you need:
Moong dal batter (soaked + blended)
Onion, tomato, green chutney, curd, sev
Chaat masala, coriander
How to make it:
Cook cheelas like pancakes, tear into pieces, and toss in a bowl with curd, chutney, veggies, masala, and sev. It’s like a savoury monsoon sundae.
Best eaten warm with hot tea and a good webcomic.
The monsoon brings out our inner homebody—and with these one-pot meals, you don’t need to compromise on flavour or effort. Whether you’re cooking for one or making a cozy meal for your roommates or family, these dishes keep the spirit of the season alive.
Rain outside. Hot bowl in your hand. One spoon. One pot. That’s all you need.