10+ Lunch Recipes Indian: Quick and Delicious Ideas to Brighten Your Midday Meal

When preparing meals, lunch can often be a challenge. Indian lunch recipes offer a wide variety of delicious and healthy options that can make your midday meal exciting and satisfying. These recipes are not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, perfect for anyone looking to spice up their lunch routine.

Exploring Indian cuisine opens the door to an array of vegetarian dishes, from hearty curries to tasty rice dishes. With so many choices available, you can create a balanced meal that fuels your afternoon with energy and delight.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or packing lunch for family, these recipes are sure to impress.

1) Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala is a tasty North Indian dish. It features grilled paneer, which is Indian cheese, cooked in a spicy and creamy sauce. This dish is a favorite among vegetarians.

To make it, you’ll want to marinate cubes of paneer with yogurt and spices. Then, grill or bake the paneer until it’s golden brown.

The rich, spicy gravy combines the flavors of tomatoes, cream, and various spices. You can serve it with rice or naan, making your lunch both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

• 200 grams paneer (Indian cheese)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut paneer into cubes.
2. Mix yogurt, spices, and oil in a bowl.
3. Marinate the paneer for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill the paneer until golden brown.
5. In a pan, heat some oil and add chopped onions; sauté until soft.
6. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until thickened.
7. Stir in the grilled paneer and cook for a few more minutes.
8. Garnish with coriander and serve hot.

2) Chana Masala with Roti

Chana masala is a delicious North Indian dish made with chickpeas and spices. It has a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with roti, an Indian flatbread. This meal is not only tasty but also filling and nutritious.

To make chana masala, you will need chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and a mix of spices. Cooking this dish is simple and doesn’t take too long. Serve it hot with warm roti for a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas (cooked)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Roti (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomatoes and spices, cooking until tomatoes soften.
5. Mix in cooked chickpeas and let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve with warm roti.

3) Methi Malai Paneer

Methi Malai Paneer is a delicious, creamy curry made with fresh fenugreek leaves. This dish is perfect for lunch and pairs well with rice or any Indian bread.

The combination of fenugreek, paneer, and spices creates a rich flavor. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your family or friends.

Ingredients

• 200 grams paneer
• 1 cup fresh fenugreek leaves (methi)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Spices: cumin, garam masala, salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin, followed by chopped onions. Sauté until golden.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add the fenugreek leaves and cook until wilted.
6. Blend cashews with a little water; add to the pan.
7. Pour in fresh cream and mix well.
8. Add paneer cubes and cook for a few minutes.
9. Sprinkle garam masala and salt; mix gently.

4) Veg Pulao

Veg Pulao is a delicious and easy rice dish that you can prepare in a single pot. It’s a great option for lunch and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices.

To make Veg Pulao, you need some fresh ingredients. Common veggies include carrots, peas, and beans. You can also use long-grain basmati rice for a lovely texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 2 cups water (about 475 ml)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
4. Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions are golden.
5. Add mixed vegetables and salt. Sauté for a few minutes.
6. Add the rice and water. Bring it to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
8. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

5) Gujarati Kadhi

Gujarati Kadhi is a delicious yogurt-based dish. It has a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. You can serve it with rice for a comforting meal.

To make this dish, you will need yogurt and chickpea flour, which help create a smooth gravy. Adding jaggery or sugar gives it a unique sweetness that sets it apart.

It’s easy to prepare and takes about 20 minutes. This dish is great for a lunch or dinner option, making it a favorite in many Indian households.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon green chili paste
• 1 tablespoon jaggery or sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• Curry leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk yogurt and chickpea flour together in a bowl.
2. Add water, ginger paste, green chili paste, jaggery, and salt. Mix well.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
4. Pour the yogurt mixture into the pan and cook until it thickens. Enjoy!

6) Dal Tadka with Rice

Dal Tadka is a delicious Indian dish made from lentils cooked with spices, giving it a rich flavor. It’s often served hot with a side of rice, making it a favorite for lunch.

To prepare this meal, you can use Toor dal (Arhar dal) for the best taste. Pair it with steamed Basmati rice or Jeera rice for a wonderful combination.

You’ll love how easy it is to make Dal Tadka. The warm, comforting rice complements the spicy lentils perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor dal (Arhar dal)
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• Spices (cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, salt)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the Toor dal until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, add the dal and water. Cook on medium heat until soft.
3. In a pan, heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
5. Stir in ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and chopped tomatoes. Cook well.
6. Add turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
7. Combine the spices with the cooked dal. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice.

7) Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a delicious Indian dish full of flavor. It features paneer, which is Indian cottage cheese, cooked in a creamy spinach sauce. The dish is vibrant green and has a lovely taste.

You can enjoy Palak Paneer with naan, paratha, or rice. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner. The combination of spices and fresh spinach makes it a nutritious choice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups spinach, fresh
• 200 grams paneer, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons cream
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then cool in ice water.
2. Blend the spinach into a smooth paste.
3. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them sizzle.
4. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden.
5. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
6. Add the tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
7. Mix in the spinach paste and salt, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
8. Add the paneer and garam masala; mix gently.
9. Stir in cream, and cook for another 2 minutes before serving.

8) Paneer Frankie

Paneer Frankie is a delicious and easy snack that makes a great lunch option. You can prepare it using leftover roti or chapathi with a tasty paneer filling. It’s popular as a street food choice.

To make it, you’ll need marinated paneer cooked with spices and mixed with fresh veggies. The wrap is then rolled up in a crispy paratha for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 200 grams paneer
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 parathas or rotis
• Green chutney
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate paneer in yogurt, turmeric, and cumin for 30 minutes.
2. Cook the paneer with sliced peppers and onions until golden.
3. Spread green chutney on a paratha.
4. Add the paneer mixture and roll it tightly.
5. Cook on a hot pan until crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

9) Masala Khichdi

Masala Khichdi is a tasty and comforting dish. It combines rice and lentils with mixed vegetables and spices for a healthy meal. This dish is great for lunch or dinner.

To make Masala Khichdi, you’ll need rice, lentils, onions, tomatoes, and various spices. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables. You can also make it in an Instant Pot for quicker cooking.

This dish is not only delicious but also nourishing. It’s a one-pot meal that is light on the stomach, making it perfect for days when you want something simple yet satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup mung lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• Water (about 4 cups)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse rice and lentils together in water and drain.
2. Heat oil in a pot. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add mixed vegetables, rice, and lentils to the pot.
6. Pour in water and add salt and garam masala.
7. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

10) Sprouts Salad

Sprouts salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for lunch. This salad is made with mung bean sprouts and fresh veggies, making it both tasty and healthy. You can prepare it in just a few minutes.

To make it even better, add herbs like cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds flavor and vitamin C. For some crunch, sprinkle on nuts or seeds.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you like. You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mung bean sprouts
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (like cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers)
• ¼ cup chopped herbs (like cilantro and mint)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nuts or seeds (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the mung bean sprouts under cold water.
2. In a bowl, combine the sprouts and chopped vegetables.
3. Add chopped herbs and lemon juice.
4. Then, season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss everything together and serve.