When Life Gets Busy, One Pot Is All You Need
Let’s be honest, momsh — may mga araw talaga na ang dami nating ginagawa. Between work, errands, and helping the kids with school, minsan gusto mo lang ng ulam na isang lutuan lang, pero masarap pa rin.
That’s where one-pot Filipino meals come to the rescue. They’re easy to cook, easy to clean up, and easy sa bulsa — kasi lahat ng nasa listahang ‘to, under ₱200 lang ang budget per meal (good for 3–4 servings!).
So grab your kawali or kaldero, and let’s make these hearty, homey dishes that remind us why Pinoy food always hits the spot.
1. Ginisang Sayote with Ground Pork
Simple, comforting, and oh-so-affordable.
All you need is ground pork, sayote, garlic, onion, and a bit of patis.
Tip: Add scrambled egg to make it more filling — perfect for pairing with hot rice.
🛒 Budget breakdown: ₱180 for 3–4 servings
⏱️ Cooking time: 25 minutes
Recipe Here: Ginisang Sayote Recipe
2. Chicken Tinola (Simplified Version)
Who doesn’t love a bowl of tinola on a busy day?
Use chicken wings or thighs (mas mura kaysa breast), green papaya, and malunggay.
Hack: Use ginger powder and chicken cubes for a faster version that still tastes homemade.
🛒 Budget breakdown: ₱190 for 4 servings
⏱️ Cooking time: 30 minutes
3. One-Pot Adobo sa Gata
This twist on adobo adds a creamy coconut flavor without adding hassle.
Sauté, simmer, pour in gata — done!
Bonus: The leftover sauce goes great with fried rice the next day.
🛒 Budget breakdown: ₱200 flat
⏱️ Cooking time: 35 minutes
4. Pancit Canton with Veggies
This isn’t just pang-birthday food — it’s also a quick weekday saver!
Cook the noodles directly in the broth for that one-pot magic. Add carrots, cabbage, and a bit of leftover meat or fishballs.
Tip: Splash in soy sauce + calamansi for that classic pancit comfort.
🛒 Budget breakdown: ₱150 for 3 servings
⏱️ Cooking time: 20 minutes
5. Ginataang Kalabasa with Sitaw
This creamy, colorful dish is a household favorite — especially when paired with fried tuyo or crispy dilis.
Hack: Add a bit of curry powder for that sosyal twist.
🛒 Budget breakdown: ₱170 for 4 servings
⏱️ Cooking time: 25 minutes
These easy one-pot Filipino meals prove that good food doesn’t have to be complicated — or expensive.
With just a few ingredients and a trusty kawali, you can make something that feels like home after a long day.
Kaya next time you’re too tired to cook three ulam dishes, remember: isang pot lang, busog buong pamilya! 💛
