Published: by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: Leave a Comment
Collection of easy and healthy Indian vegetarian lunch recipes/ideas that you want to try for your next meal. Always wonder what to cook for your lunch or dinner? Then this post covers a list of Indian vegetable starters, main course dishes like curries, side dishes, and one-pot meals. These Indian recipes are easy to make, flavorful, and can be perfect for your lunch box, party, get-together, or as a regular day meal.
You could also find different collection of recipes below and more at recipe collections.
- Indian Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes
- Easy Dinner Recipes and Ideas
- Chicken Dinner Recipes
- Egg Recipes for Breakfast
- Best Paneer Recipes
- Best Vegan Recipes
Jump to:
- What is special about Indian vegetarian lunch?
- Raita
- Mushroom Biryani (Kalan Biryani)
- Basmati Rice
- Vegetable Biryani
- Biryani Rice (Kuska Rice)
- Matar Pulao (Peas Pulao)
- Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)
- Khichdi
- White Sauce Pasta
- Ragi Kanji
- Ragi Balls (Muddle)
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Atho (Burmese Food)
- Vatha Kuzhambu (Vathal Kulambu)
- Meal Maker Curry (Soya Chunks Curry)
- Sambar
- Gutti Vankaya Kura (Curry)
- Vegetable Korma
- Paneer Masala (Dhaba Style )
- Palak Paneer
- Saag Paneer
- Paneer Tikka Masala
- Chilli Paneer
- Chole
- Aloo Gobi (Alu Gobi)
- Kadala Curry
- Bhindi Masala
- Chana Masala
- Rasam Recipe
- Paneer Tikka
- High Protein Minced Soya Chunks
- Vegan Shredded Jack Fruit Fry
- Tofu Golden Nuggets
- Gobi 65 (Cauliflower Fry)
What is special about Indian vegetarian lunch?
Lunch hours are the most important part of our day and enjoying a healthy meal helps to restore our body for the rest of the day. Even though there are different vegetarian dishes across the world, Indian recipes are special for their flavor, aroma, and taste. Not only they are tasty but they are also healthy that we require for our body.
Indian vegetarian dishes ideally balance the combination of protein, fiber, fat, and sugar to boost our system. Especially dals, roti, vegetables, rice in your lunch meal make them healthier.
Overall, Indian vegetarian lunch recipes are the ultimate way to spruce up your taste buds. And the recipes are flavorful, aromatic, and extremely unique that makes you fall in love with them. Whether you are packing for your lunch box or hosting a party at your home, these Indian vegetarian recipes are the best to savor your loved ones and family.
So let's explore different Indian vegetarian lunch ideas/recipes that I hope will make your lunch hours enjoyable. And I will be updating the list whenever I make a new dish in this category. So stay tuned and get ready to enjoy these healthy and easy lip-smacking dishes with friends and family.
Are you looking for Indian recipes to kick start your day? then check out this collection of Vegetarian breakfast Recipes which might help you to make a variety of simple, healthy, easy instant recipes at home. You could also check out these Plant-based Indian Vegan Recipes if you follow strict vegan diet.
Raita
Raita, a traditional Indian yogurt dip, is savory and slightly sour, combining yogurt, fresh veggies, herbs, fruits, and spices. It's an easy-to-make side that perfectly complements dishes like biryani, pulaos, naan, roti, kebabs, and curries, and can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
Mushroom Biryani (Kalan Biryani)
Savor the flavors of South India with Mushroom Biryani, also known as Kalan Biryani. This aromatic dish from Tamilnadu's Chettinad cuisine blends basmati rice with rich spices, making it an ideal meal for lunch or dinner, especially when paired with raita.
Basmati Rice
Perfect your Basmati rice with this simple, step-by-step recipe. Ideal for biryani, pulao, and other flavored rice dishes, it delivers fluffy, light grains in less than 30 minutes. Enjoy it paired with your favorite curries and sides for a delightful meal at home.
Vegetable Biryani
Vegetable biryani, or Veg Biryani, is a spicy and aromatic rice dish popular in the Indian subcontinent and neighboring countries. It's a flavorful one-pot meal, rich in protein, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Biryani Rice (Kuska Rice)
Experience the rich flavors of Biryani Rice or Kuska Rice, a one-pot vegetarian delight. Made with fragrant Seeraga Samba or Basmati rice, blended with aromatic Indian spices and herbs, this South Indian specialty mirrors traditional Biryani's taste but without meat or veggies. Perfect for any meal, it pairs wonderfully with various curries!
Matar Pulao (Peas Pulao)
Matar Pulao: A delightful one-pot Indian dish, effortlessly blending fragrant basmati rice with fresh green peas and aromatic spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect quick-fix for lunch, dinner, or party feasts.
Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)
Pudina Rice, also known as Mint Pulao, is a flavorful, vegan-friendly one-pot Indian meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a lunchbox treat, it pairs delightfully with sides like vegetable korma, chicken Chettinad, and egg curries.
Khichdi
Savor the comfort of Khichdi, a one-pot Indian classic that's both nutritious and satisfying. This vegan-friendly delight is perfect for any mealtime, offering a wholesome option that's as quick to prepare as it is flavorful. Ideal for those seeking a hearty dish without the fuss.
White Sauce Pasta
White Sauce Pasta, a creamy and flavorful dish, features Penne Pasta coated in homemade Béchamel Sauce, enriched with garlic and Italian seasonings. This silky, smooth sauce, a blend of butter, flour, and milk, elevates the pasta, making it an ideal choice for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying after-school snack.
Ragi Kanji
Ragi kanji/porridge is healthy, filling, and a wholesome south Indian meal. It tastes best when served chill and can be consumed along with mor milagai(curd chili)/sundaikkai vathal(fried turkey berry), a typical village style side dish.
Ragi Balls (Muddle)
Ragi balls is a tasty, melt in the mouth, nutritious South Indian meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast/lunch or dinner.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetable Fried Rice, an Indo-Chinese culinary delight, is a simple yet irresistibly delicious meal, perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing party dish. Its rich flavors and straightforward preparation make it an ideal choice for any occasion, offering a taste of indulgence in every bite.
Atho (Burmese Food)
Atho brings a taste of Indo-Burmese tradition right to the streets of Chennai. This beloved street food is a simple, spicy delight that doubles as a satisfying meal. A must-try for those who enjoy hearty flavors with an authentic twist!
Vatha Kuzhambu (Vathal Kulambu)
Enjoy the flavors of Tamilnadu with Vatha Kuzhambu, a delightful vegetarian curry featuring sundried turkey berries (Sundakkai), tamarind, jaggery, and aromatic Indian spices. This authentic South Indian dish, perfect alongside steamed rice, promises a tantalizing taste experience for both lunch and dinner.
Meal Maker Curry (Soya Chunks Curry)
Explore the hearty goodness of Soya Chunks Curry, a protein-packed Indian favorite that's a fantastic meat alternative. Enjoy it with fluffy roti, chapati, or your choice of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Sambar
Experience the essence of South Indian cuisine with Sambar, a vibrant blend of vegetables, lentils, tamarind, and aromatic sambar powder. This protein-packed, vegan-friendly dish complements breakfast favorites like idli and dosa, and pairs beautifully with rice for a complete meal. A staple in any South Indian culinary repertoire!
Gutti Vankaya Kura (Curry)
Gutti Vankaya Kura, an authentic Andhra delicacy, is a simple yet rich brinjal curry with a unique stuffing of peanut masala, simmered in an onion-tomato base. It's a vegan-friendly dish perfect alongside roti, parotta, chapati, rice, or biryani.
Vegetable Korma
Delight in this aromatic Vegetable Korma, a mix of fresh veggies and spices in a creamy coconut and nut base. A popular vegan and gluten-free choice, it's perfect with naan, basmati rice, or chapati, elevating any meal.
Paneer Masala (Dhaba Style )
Savor the simplicity and taste of Paneer Masala, a widely loved Indian curry. This dish features a luscious gravy of onions and tomatoes, enriched with soft paneer, aromatic Indian spices, and select herbs. Ideal as a companion for roti, chapati, or a variety of rice dishes, it's a versatile addition to any meal.
Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer: A classic Indian favorite, this dish blends fresh spinach with creamy paneer in a richly spiced curry. Perfect for any meal, it pairs wonderfully with roti, naan, or rice. Enjoy restaurant-quality taste right at home!
Saag Paneer
Enjoy the richness of Saag Paneer, a creamy and smooth Indian curry featuring a blend of greens, fragrant spices, and golden-fried paneer. Easy to make at home in under 30 minutes, it's a healthy and delicious option for both lunch and dinner. Serve with naan, roti, or rice for a truly satisfying meal.
Paneer Tikka Masala
Paneer Tikka Masala: A classic Indian curry with grilled paneer in a spicy onion-tomato gravy. Rich and creamy, it pairs wonderfully with roti, naan, or rice, offering an authentic restaurant-style flavor for lunch or dinner.
Chilli Paneer
Enjoy this Chilli Paneer, a vibrant Indo-Chinese dish offering a vegetarian take on classic Chilli Chicken. Combining paneer, bell peppers, and Chinese sauces, this sweet, sour, and spicy delight is perfect as an appetizer or paired with fried rice or noodles. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal choice for a quick and flavorful meal.
Chole
Experience the vibrant taste of Punjab with Chole Masala, a dish that's as delightful as it is rich in flavors. This homemade treat, ideal with fluffy bhatura or warm naan, brings a burst of spicy, tangy goodness to your table.
Aloo Gobi (Alu Gobi)
Savor the simplicity of Aloo Gobi, a classic Indian vegetarian delight. With just cauliflower, potatoes, and spices, this one-pot wonder is a vegan favorite, ideal with naan, chapati, or rice. Perfect for any meal, it's a household and restaurant staple in India.
Kadala Curry
Enjoy the essence of Kerala with Kadala Curry, a vegan classic made with black chickpeas and aromatic garam masala, cooked in coconut oil. Perfectly paired with puttu, appam, or rice, it's a staple in every Kerala home and eatery.
Bhindi Masala
Dive into the vibrant world of Bhindi Masala, a harmonious blend of nutritious okra, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic Indian spices. This easy-to-prepare, flavorful dish is a versatile companion to roti, chapati, rice, or naan, making it an ideal choice for any meal.
Chana Masala
Enjoy the zest of Chana Masala, an Indian delight with spicy chickpeas and aromatic spices. Perfect with rice, roti, or as a snack topped with puri, onions, and cilantro. A feast for your taste buds!
Rasam Recipe
Rasam is a tasty and tangy authentic South Indian soup-like dish made by simmering tomato water, garlic, Indian spices, and herbs. This rasam act as comfort food for cold, cough, and helps for easy digestion. It tastes best when served with white rice for lunch or dinner.
Paneer Tikka
Enjoy the taste of authentic Indian cuisine with Paneer Tikka, a mouthwatering appetizer featuring paneer and veggies marinated in a rich yogurt blend. Easy to make in an oven, air fryer, or stove top, it's perfect as an appetizer or a main dish.
High Protein Minced Soya Chunks
Minced Soya Chunks is a flavorful Indian dish made with the combination of caramelized onion, ginger, garlic, and other spices that gives a similar taste to the meat recipe that can be served for lunch and dinner.
Vegan Shredded Jack Fruit Fry
Vegan shredded Jack Fruit fry is a great alternative for any meat in which the tender jack fruit plays an important role in giving a unique flavor of meat recipe that you might have tried in restaurants.
Tofu Golden Nuggets
Tofu golden nuggets are a crispy, healthy, and utterly delicious Asian starter recipe that can be a great alternative for meat nuggets with the same flavors and taste.
Gobi 65 (Cauliflower Fry)
Gobi 65: A crispy, vegetarian delight, this dish transforms cauliflower into a star appetizer. Marinated with spices like garam masala and ginger-garlic paste, then deep-fried to golden perfection, it's a crunchy, flavorful treat. Ideal as a starter, side, or snack!
