The winter comfort dish that pretends to be fancy but takes 10 minutes.
You know those nights when you want something warm, nourishing, and slightly gourmet… but also don’t want to chop more than two things or wash five pans? This one’s your new go-to.
It’s garlicky. It’s mushroomy. It’s quinoa-y (yes, we’re making that a word). And it’s the kind of healthy that doesn’t feel like a punishment. Just hearty, wholesome solo eating that tastes way better than it should for how fast it comes together.
🍄 Ingredients for One
- ½ cup cooked quinoa (cook a batch ahead or use a microwave pouch)
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (button, Swiss brown, whatever you’ve got)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- A handful of baby spinach
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt & cracked pepper to taste
🍽️ Instructions
- Sizzle the mushrooms
- Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
- Add the greens
- Toss in the baby spinach and stir gently until wilted. About 1–2 minutes max.
- Stir in the quinoa
- Add the cooked quinoa to the pan.
- Stir everything together, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.
- Eat it straight out of the pan if you like. Zero judgement.
💥 Why It Works in Winter
- Garlic brings bold flavour and immune-boosting power.
- Mushrooms are rich in zinc, selenium, and antioxidants — a triple win.
- Spinach adds a pop of colour and a whole bunch of vitamin C.
- Quinoa gives you fibre and plant-based protein — and it’s weirdly satisfying.
In short: your body wants this, and so do your tastebuds.
🔄 Make It Your Own
- Add a fried egg on top for extra protein.
- Toss through a spoon of pesto for bonus flavour.
- Got leftover roast veg? Throw them in.
- Don’t like quinoa? Brown rice or couscous work fine.
This is a “what’s in the fridge” bowl — forgiving, flexible, and fabulous.
🧄 The Bottom Line
This little bowl is one of those sneaky recipes that makes you feel like you cooked a Real Meal™… even though it took all of 10 minutes and you only used one pan. Bonus: it’s got that earthy, umami richness that’s especially satisfying when the wind is howling and you’re curled up with a blanket and a podcast.
Craving more solo meals that tick the boxes for taste and winter wellness?
Sign up to the Plan4One newsletter — we’ve got loads of quick comfort meals that don’t require a culinary degree or an overflowing fridge.
📸 Show Off Your Bowl
Cooked it? Snapped it? We want to see! Tag @Plan4One with #Plan4OneBowls for your chance to be featured in our stories. And yes, leftovers count (even if there are never any).
