Whether you are a professional chef or a passionate home cook, a stockpot is a must-have cookware item for your kitchen. The amazingly versatile pot helps cook everything – Indian inspired curries, subtly flavored stews, and even delicious desserts. It is also perfect for busy individuals who are pressed for time to prepare meals on weekdays. Just set your stockpot simmering with bulk quantities of a dish like chili on weekends and you are set for the week! Here are five delicious recipes that you can make using your stockpot.
Namaste, India
Get your taste buds ready for this deviously simple, yet delicious recipe that will transport you to India, the land of spices. For this preparation, you will need four red onions, two kilos of chicken (diced), two cans of tomatoes, and chilies. Deseed the chilies if you prefer your dish to be mild. Put all the ingredients, along with salt and pepper, chili powder, turmeric, a hint of chicken powder in the stockpot. You can also add natural chili. Add a big tablespoon of curry powder for extra flavor, and let it cook for about eight hours. Just before turning the gas off, add some coconut milk for a slightly nutty taste. Serve it with rice or Indian bread like naan.
The Chili Please
If you are playing host to a large group of friends, then this chili dish is perfect for you! Heat some oil and sauté onions till they become translucent, then add bell peppers and stir continuously until they start to soften. Now add ground beef – you can also use chicken or pork if you prefer. If you or your friends are vegetarian, substitute meat with tofu, seitan, or even broccoli. Add beans of your choice, three cans of tomato, three tablespoons of chili or paprika powder, some Sriracha sauce, and salt and pepper. Close the lid and let it cook for an hour. Your tasty chili dish will be ready to serve when your friends arrive.
The Beefcake
Making a tasty beef stew is a particularly tricky affair. Do you leave the beef rare, medium rare or thoroughly cook? How do you make a dish that satisfies everyone? We love this particular recipe for beef stew, as it combines some simple ingredients that are found in most pantries, like celery, mushrooms, thyme, and others. It also uses red wine to flavor the dish! What more could anyone ask for?
Sizzling Lentils Soup
This delightful and flavorful soup recipe is sure to make your taste buds soar with joy. Take a stockpot, add olive oil or butter (will make the lentils creamier), then throw in some onions and garlic and sauté along with some chilies. Add vegetables including julienned carrots, capsicum, cauliflower, and spinach. Cook until spinach starts to wilt. Add seasonings – curry powder, loads of paprika chili powder, and salt. Add Lentils (preferably red), and enough water for it to cook in. Close the lid, and let it simmer on low for about 45 minutes. Serve with a dollop of fresh cream.
Just Desserts
You can make some mouth-watering desserts in your stockpot. This coconut pudding recipe using Arborio Rice and Coconut Milk is delightful and simple. Just add rice, sugar, coconut milk and butter to the pot and stir until the rice is al dente. Once it is done, refrigerate until it is thoroughly chilled. Serve with nuts and a dash of cinnamon.
Even if your culinary skills leave something to be desired, with the versatile stockpot, you can whip up any meal like a pro. Once the meal is over, you’ll have fewer dishes to clean too!
