Cooking for One: Tips, Recipes, and Embracing Solo Dining

Cooking for one can be made simple with a slow cooker, cast iron pot, RidgeMonkey, wok, or even a frying pan with a lid. You may want to use a diffuser if cooking on a hob.

I don't use my Ridge Monkey at home but in my camper van. You can read about my van kitchen setup here.

I live alone—or at least, that’s not entirely true, as I share my home with two wonderful rescue greyhounds. When it comes to cooking, though, I’m usually just catering for myself—unless, of course, I’m entertaining.

Cooking for one can sometimes be tricky, especially if you’re in the habit of making meals for two with the idea of freezing half. I’ll admit, my hearty appetite has occasionally seen me polishing off both portions! It really depends on what’s on the menu.

Having lived in rural Andalucía for over a decade, I’ve had plenty of practice cooking for one. It’s a topic I often write about, and not long ago, I stumbled upon the suggestion that it might be a bit depressing to cook for yourself. That idea stayed with me, and I’ve come to believe that cooking for one can be enjoyable, especially if you approach it creatively.

One-pot meals and slow cooking are perfect solutions—they not only minimise washing up but also let you prepare something delicious and satisfying without a lot of fuss. From a slow-cooked chicken and vegetable casserole to a hearty Dublin Coddle baked in a cast-iron pot, the possibilities are endless.

Slow cooking, whether with a trusty slow cooker or a Le Creuset pot, is a game-changer. It’s brilliant for tenderising meat, retaining nutrients, and coaxing rich, deep flavours out of simple ingredients. Plus, it’s energy-efficient and ideal for those days when you want to set it and forget it. Soups, stews, and casseroles all benefit from this method, and it’s an excellent way to use up leftovers or transform tougher cuts of meat into something special.

Over the years, I’ve put together a collection of recipes perfect for solo dining, and I hope you’ll find them both inspiring and satisfying. Cooking for one doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a small act of self-care.