1. One-Pot Jollof Rice

The king of one-pot dishes in Ghana.

How to do it:

• Start with a flavourful stew base (onions, tomatoes, pepper, spices).

• Add washed rice and stock.

• Let it steam on low heat.

Tip: Add veggies (carrots, peas) for extra colour and nutrition.

2. One-Pot Fried Rice (The Quick Version)

Instead of frying ingredients separately, everything cooks in one pot.

Method:

• Fry onions, garlic, carrots and sausages together.

• Add cooked rice and soy sauce.

• Stir until combined.

Fast, flavourful and great for leftovers.

3. One-Pot Spaghetti (Ghana-Style)

A fast, tasty option for students and busy parents.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti

• Tomato stew

• Sardines or corned beef

• Onion, pepper, spices

Cook spaghetti directly in the stew for rich flavour.

4. One-Pot Coconut Rice with Chicken

Creamy, aromatic and simple.

Steps:

• Brown chicken pieces

• Add onions, ginger, pepper

• Pour in coconut milk

• Add rice and simmer

Pairs well with salad or fried plantain.

5. One-Pot Yam Pottage (Ghanaian “Potato Soup” Style)

Comforting and perfect for Harmattan evenings.

How to prepare:

• Add yam chunks to a pot

• Combine tomatoes, onions, pepper and fish/meat

• Cook until yam softens

• Mash lightly for creaminess

A flavourful favourite across households.

6. One-Pot Beans Stew (Red Red Short Method)

Delicious, protein-rich and filling.

Steps:

• Cook beans till soft

• Add onions, palm oil, pepper, tomatoes and fish

• Simmer until thick

Serve with a sprinkle of gari — no side dish needed.

7. One-Pot Chicken Stew with Rice Added Directly

A shortcut for busy days.

Method:

• Prepare chicken stew

• Add washed rice directly into the stew

• Add water and cover

• Steam until done

A cross between stew and jollof — very comforting.

8. One-Pot Noodles with Vegetables & Protein

Quick and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• Instant noodles

• Eggs or sausages

• Carrots, cabbage, peppers

• Seasoning

Everything cooks in one pot in under 10 minutes.

9. One-Pot Groundnut Soup with Rice Balls (Quick Version)

Instead of preparing soup and rice balls separately, make a simplified version.

How:

• Prepare groundnut soup base

• Add pre-shaped small rice balls into the pot

• Simmer until soft and soaked

Perfect for busy families craving comfort food.

10. One-Pot Plantain & Chicken Stew

A wholesome, hearty dish using semi-ripe plantains.

Steps:

• Brown chicken

• Add tomatoes, onions, pepper and spices

• Add plantain cubes

• Simmer until plantains soften

Sweet, savoury and satisfying.

Tips for Successful One-Pot Cooking

1. Build flavour early

Start with onions, garlic and ginger sautéed in oil.

2. Layer ingredients by cooking time

Add harder ingredients (yam, plantain) before soft ones (vegetables).

3. Keep liquids accurate

Too much water ruins texture — measure carefully.

4. Use one pot with a thick base

Prevents burning and ensures even cooking.

5. Add vegetables at the end

Keeps them colourful and crisp.

Why One-Pot Meals Are Perfect for December in Ghana

• Saves time

• Uses fewer dishes

• Reduces cost

• Feeds many people

• Ideal for busy schedules

• Perfect for students, workers, and large families

One-pot cooking keeps you nourished without stress during Ghana’s busiest season.

Conclusion

One-pot meals are a lifesaver during Ghana’s festive months. Whether you choose jollof, spaghetti, coconut rice, yam pottage or quick beans stew, these meals are delicious, efficient and simple to prepare. With just one pot and a few everyday ingredients, you can enjoy comforting food even on the busiest December days.

Try a new one-pot recipe each week and keep your holiday season easy, tasty and stress-free.