15 Plant-Based One-Pot Wonders

Maybe it’s a weeknight, the end of a long busy day, or you just simply don’t feel like making dinner into a huge performance; whatever the case, the one-pot wonder can be a lifesaver.

Chucking everything into a big pot, letting it cook down, and then enjoying a hearty and delicious meal is sometimes just the ticket. Minimal mess, minimal washing up and maximum time to sit back, relax, and digest your feast is all there is to it.

Here are a bunch of OGP recipes for soups, stews, curries, and all those other great one-pot wonders waiting to make your life a little bit easier!

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help you get healthy!

1. Black Bean, Cauliflower, and Sweet Potato Stew

Source: Black Bean, Cauliflower, and Sweet Potato Stew

This protein-rich Black Bean, Cauliflower, and Sweet Potato Stew by Julie Zimmer is seasonal, hearty, and has a secret ingredient. That’s right- the base is mixed with beer. Simple, yummy, and perfect for a holiday party.

2. Roasted Tomato and Pepper Soup

Source: Roasted Tomato and Pepper Soup

This Roasted Tomato and Pepper Soup by Stephanie Davies is no average recipe. The smokiness of the roasted vegetables elevates this dish from a childhood favorite to an elegant dish.

3. Chunky Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Source: Chunky Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

This Chunky Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew by Molly Patrick is a nutrient-dense powerhouse that will nourish your body while still oozing comfort. It is made with the typical stew culprits – onion, celery, tomato paste, bay leaves, water – with a few yummy additions, like cooked chickpeas, sweet potato, and vegan Worcestershire sauce for a boost of flavor. Make sure to serve this one with some fluffy bread to soak up every last bit of deliciousness.

4. Super Simple Potato Curry

Source: Super Simple Potato Curry

It takes about 5 minutes to prepare this Super Simple Potato Curry by Jennifer Harmon! All you have to do is cut the potatoes and then dump everything in a large saucepan and simmer. Then, you just have to wait 20 minutes for it to get hot and the potatoes to get soft. Not quite as simple as throwing a pizza in the oven, but pretty damn close. This recipe for vegan potato curry is also extremely cheap to make and can feed the masses. Everyone will love it – you might even have to double the recipe!

5. Irish ‘Lamb’ Stew

Source: Irish ‘Lamb’ Stew

Browning the TVP first in this Irish ‘Lamb’ Stew by Vaishali Honawar makes the nuggets chewier, giving them a very meat-like texture that’s often hard to replicate in vegan substitutes. The TVP also gives the stew a big protein boost, making it pretty much a meal in itself with all the veggies such as potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms. You can serve it with some crusty bread or some rice or, in true Irish style, with a side of potatoes and cabbage.

6. French Onion, Fennel, and Green Lentil Soup

Source: French Onion, Fennel, and Green Lentil Soup

This French Onion, Fennel, and Green Lentil Soup by Stephanie McKinnie is a twist on the classic French onion soup with the addition of French green lentils and crunchy fennel fronds. It has such a depth of flavor that will soothe your soul.

7. Instant Pot Vegetable Curry Rice

Source: Instant Pot Vegetable Curry Rice

This Instant Pot Vegetable Curry Rice by OGP Admin is pilaf style with veggies, curry powder, and extra spices to give it a burst of flavor with every bite. The Instant Pot makes quick work of this healthy brown basmati rice loaded with everything you need for a quick vegan lite meal or side dish with pizzazz.

8. Couscous with Tomatoes and Olives

Source: Couscous with Tomatoes and Olives

This Couscous with Tomatoes and Olives by Kelly Jaggers is made with simple ingredients but is simply delicious! This is an Instant Pot dish which means it is really quick and easy to prepare, leaving you time to get on with other tasks while it cooks.

9. Gigante Bean Soup with Celery and Olives

Source: Gigante Bean Soup with Celery and Olives

This Gigante Bean Soup with Celery and Olives by America’s Test Kitchen is a perfectly warming soup that is full of beans and is flavored wonderfully with celery and carrots!

10. Calming Turmeric Mung Bean Soup

Source: Calming Turmeric Mung Bean Soup

Make this delicious Calming Turmeric Mung Bean Soup by Molly Patrick to calm your soul and nourish your body. It’s so flavorful and good for you. There’s an Instant Pot and stovetop option –– do whatever is good for you! Either way, it tastes amazing! This Turmeric Mung Bean Soup is made with a delicious mixture of onions, garlic, ginger, tomato, cabbage, celery, mung beans, and more. It is such a great fall meal!

11. Curried Kidney Bean Stew

Source: Curried Kidney Bean Stew

This Curried Kidney Bean Stew by Helyn Dunn is a perfect way to warm up on any chilly day. It’s delicious, satisfying, and the perfect dinner!

12. Moroccan-Spiced Vegetable and Tempeh Stew with Lemon Almond Amaranth

Source: Moroccan-Spiced Vegetable and Tempeh Stew with Lemon Almond Amaranth

This Moroccan-Spiced Vegetable and Tempeh Stew with Lemon Almond Amaranth by Zuzana Fajkusova and Nikki Lefler is a great post-workout meal option. The combination of tempeh, amaranth, kale, and almonds will provide your body with a complete amino acid profile –important for protein synthesis and instrumental in helping your body recover after a workout.

13. Teff Ethiopian-Style Stew

Source: Teff Ethiopian-Style Stew

Teff, Ethiopia’s ancient grain, gives this stew a hearty creaminess, but the secret is the spice mixture—sweet, warming, and just a tad spicy. It may sound cheesy, but when that allspice hits the pan, take a minute to inhale it deeply. It’s such a warming, comforting blend and a reminder to enjoy the process, not just scurry to achieve the outcome. You must try this Teff Ethiopian-Style Stew by Quelcy Kogel.

14. Stew with Brown Lentils, Peas and Corn

Source: Stew With Brown Lentils, Peas and Corn

This 1-pot, gluten-free, vegan Stew With Brown Lentils, Peas and Corn by Nele Liivlaid is a quick and filling main dish to add to your salad bowls! Lentils and peas make it so hearty and creamy while the corn is there to surprise you with sweetness.

15. One Pot Lentil Stew

Source: One Pot Lentil Stew

This One Pot Lentil Stew by Robin takes one pot and is super simple to make. Plus, it is so protein-heavy and filling and oh-so-delicious!

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!