So here’s the thing. I’m lazy. I love to cook sure, but I find the end result of cleaning up a shit load of pots and pans annoying. Over the past 18 months or so I have fully embraced the concept of ‘one pot cooking’. Because I am lazy. AND the other thing? No one ever explains to you that you can DO this. That you can throw all the stuff in together, rather than doing what you ‘think’ you should do – like cook all the bits then bring them together at the end on the plate. I’m here to tell you people: BRING IT TOGETHER IN THE ONE POT.
About a year ago I discovered that you can throw the spinach in with the potatoes at the very end of the roasting process, and they will cook. Huh. Before that I would have fried them up separately in a different pan. So then I thought…why not throw in other stuff at the end? Like LOTS OF OTHER STUFF AT THE END. And I discovered the joy that is: ROASTED BROCCOLI.
This is the permission you have been waiting for. Throw as much shit in at last 10 mins of the roasting that you like. Broccoli? COURSE YOU CAN. Spinach? Yuh huh. Brussel sprouts? You bet your pretty arse you can. Cauliflower? YEAH YOU DID. All of the things people. All of the things. Here’s how it rolls:
Tonight I made a roast chicken (with graby as Harps likes to call it) and I roasted the tatties as I am want to do. So you check what’s in your fridge for what’s left in there. Tonight I had a bunch of broccolini, broccoli and a few beetroots. So you chop them…
And place them thusly on your bench with flowers in the background, stand back and ponder. Instagram optional (although I find it essential).
Then when those potatoes are about 10 mins off being ready throw it all into that hot roasting pan, give it a toss with your vegie spatula thingy and shut the oven door.
10-12 mins later you will have crispy, delicious, still a bit crunchy but yummy, coated in those potato oil goodness veggies. ALL FROM THE SAME PAN.
And that? Is what I’m talkin’ about. You will be too. Promise.
You know one time? At Rob’s Dad farm? I ROASTED BOK CHOY. For about 5 mins. I did! I just did.
What do you roast?
Roast Broccoli is The. Bomb. Roasted brussel sprouts are also a fave with my kids, they love them! Oh and Kale, roast yourself up some kale, heavenly!!!
Yes, I’ve done Kale too – it’s fabulous.
Your potatoes look sooooo good!! Mine never look that good. Tips?? (Have you done a blog post on this???) Am so with you on the one pot dinner thing although I do have a maid who does the washing up (obviously the next day though so you’d need to get your head around leaving all the dirty dishes on the kitchen bench overnight – took me a while but I figured doing them myself was not leaving her anything to do and so then what was I paying her for??) Am definitely going to try this with the brocolli – just as soon as the Botswana Government allows their importation again …. hmmmmm …
A maid? YOU WIN. That’s the best thing ever! The only trick I have to the potatoes is the pan that I use : Scanpan roasting pan (medium size). I never have any problems and it works beautifully every time. AND it’s really easy to wash up too. Your maid will like that!!
And a little bit of maple syrup drizzled over in the last 10 mins…..yummy!
Oh HELLO.
Love a one-pot wonder! I use your spinach technique all the time – total gamechanger!
My latest thing is to do a kind of Mediterranean / ratatouille style roast – zucchini, red capsicum, eggplant, garlic, red onion… bit of balsamic vinegar in there, and can throw cubes of feta in at the end too. Too easy. Anything I can cook IN the oven rather than standing over it stirring all night is a winner. Love your style!
That’s PERFECT one pot wonderness! Thanks for the tip – those veggies and feta sound fabulous!
Oh my!!! This is the permission and the wake up I needed!!! This may help at crazy hour!!! Between our 4 year old and our 4 week old. Dinners of late have been… Just… manageable.
THANKYOU.
Hope it helps…good luck!
I always do this ,I love cooking but hate cleaning up,one pot is my fave way of cooking,Love your lazy girl tips Beth right up my alley!
I’m glad Lisa!
Yep, I’m a follower of the spinach thrown in with the potatoes too! It was a great idea thanks!
You’re welcome!
I roast cauliflower all the time & it’s amazing.
It sure is! Have you seen that whole roasted tandoori cauliflower? I’ve seen it a few times on FB and wondered what it would be like.
I haven’t! Can you post the link please – sounds amazing. I just roast with olive oil, lemon and herbs. Amazing.
Here you go! http://www.mynewroots.org/site/2012/09/whole-roasted-tandoori-cauliflower-with-mint-chutney/
Thank you
Big fan of all the roasting suggestions
I am a convert to oven bags (so 80s) and am now queen of lamb roast a la Maggie Beer in latest Women’s Weekly, ridiculously easy and 8 hrs in oven while i read or whatevs i do…
I’ll need to check it our (when I’m next at Mums place as she always has the WW there)
Love doing this, especially finishing off with lashings of S&P and a big squeeze of lemon over there backs. All hail the crispy broccolini! I’m rolling it out tonight with roasted baby chats and salmon. YUMBO!
Delish x
i roast green beans – yep, just throw those in. by the way, i find those moments as “instagram mandatory” as well, glad it’s not just me!
When my body craves veggies (something that child-me NEVER imagined would happen!) I just chuck in every vegetable imaginable; capsicum, corn, broccoli, beetroot and serve with a dollop of good mayo 🙂
I LOVE the dollop of mayo! What a touch 🙂
Get some fennel in that roasting tray, you will wonder where it has been all your life! Delishishly good.
Roasted fennel is one of my favourite things – agreed!
So I’m sitting on the couch waiting for the roast spuds, sweet potato and carrots to cook. I’ve chopped the broccoli ready to throw in. I’ve gone wild and added some bacon. Bacon can only make this scenario better, right?
Of course!
Roast chops, lamb or pork, or meatballs in the oven. Do them that way when it;s too cold or windy to smash them on the WeberQ. WINNER.
They are so good!