10+ Indian Lunch Box Recipes for Tasty and Easy Meals

Indian lunch box recipes bring variety and flavor to your meals. These recipes cater to different tastes and provide a balanced and nutritious option for lunch. You can explore a range of vegetarian dishes that are both healthy and easy to prepare, making them perfect for you and your family.

Whether you’re packing lunch for kids or yourself, these recipes offer something for everyone. From rice dishes to wraps, there’s an abundance of choices that ensure every lunch is exciting and enjoyable.

1) Paneer Tawa Pulao

Paneer Tawa Pulao is a flavorful and easy dish that makes a great lunch box option. You can whip it up quickly with cooked rice, paneer, and vegetables. It is both tasty and filling.

To make this dish, start by sautéing onions and spices in butter. Then, add chopped tomatoes and capsicum for freshness. Toss in paneer cubes for protein and mix it with the rice.

This recipe is often seasoned with pav bhaji masala, giving it a unique taste. It’s perfect to enjoy at home or pack for school or work.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1/4 cup capsicum, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup paneer cubes
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and capsicum; cook until soft.
5. Mix in paneer cubes and red chili powder.
6. Combine with cooked rice and salt. Serve warm.

2) Matar Pulao (Peas Pulao)

Matar Pulao, or Peas Pulao, is a simple and tasty rice dish. It combines basmati rice with green peas and spices. This meal is great for lunch boxes since it’s easy to make and travels well.

To prepare Matar Pulao, start by choosing fresh or frozen green peas. You can pair this dish with yogurt or pickles for extra flavor. It takes about 20-30 minutes to cook, making it a quick option for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 cups water (approx. 480 ml)
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• Spices: 1 bay leaf, 2-3 cloves, 1 stick cinnamon, salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. Soak for 15 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon. Sauté for a minute.
4. Add sliced onion and cook until golden brown.
5. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and chopped tomato. Cook until soft.
6. Add the green peas and soaked rice. Mix well.
7. Pour in water and add salt. Bring to a boil.
8. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is fluffy.
9. Fluff with a fork and serve warm. Enjoy!

3) Peanut Rice

Peanut Rice is a tasty and nutritious dish you can easily prepare for lunch. It’s a popular option in South Indian cuisine, making it a great choice for your lunch box.

The main ingredient is roasted peanuts, which add great flavor and crunch. You can mix in spices and lentils to make it even more delicious.

This dish is simple to make. Just cook rice, mix in the peanuts, and add your favorite spices. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (black gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: chopped onions or green chilies

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add urad dal and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in peanuts, turmeric, and salt.
5. Mix in the cooked rice and combine well.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

4) Corn Fried Rice

Corn fried rice is a tasty and easy dish to make. It combines rice, sweet corn, and flavors that you will love. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need cooked rice, sweet corn, soy sauce, and some vegetables like spring onions. You can also add garlic and ginger for extra flavor.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add chopped garlic and ginger, frying for a minute.
3. Toss in spring onions and sweet corn, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in the rice and soy sauce, mixing well.
5. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.

Enjoy your corn fried rice as a delicious and healthy lunch!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup sweet corn
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 5 spring onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (finely chopped)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger; fry for 1 minute.
3. Add spring onions and sweet corn; cook until soft.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce.
5. Cook until heated through. Enjoy!

5) Masala Paratha

Masala paratha is a tasty Indian flatbread. It’s full of spices, making it a great choice for lunch boxes. The crunchy outside and soft inside make it satisfying.

You can fill it with various ingredients like mashed potatoes, peas, or paneer. This dish is easy to make and can add variety to your meals.

Pair it with yogurt or pickle for extra flavor. Your family will love this delightful bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ¼ teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine flour, cumin seeds, carom seeds, black pepper, and salt.
2. Add water gradually and knead to form a dough.
3. Divide the dough into small balls.
4. Roll out each ball into a flat circle.
5. Cook on a heated skillet till golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve warm with yogurt or pickle.

6) Vegetable Roti Rolls

Vegetable Roti Rolls are a great option for your lunch box. They are flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare. You can fill them with your choice of veggies to suit your taste.

Start by making soft roti. Once they are ready, fill them with a delicious mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and peas. You can spice them up with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

Roll them up tightly. This way, they stay together and are easy to eat on the go. These rolls are perfect for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat flour
• Water
• Salt
• Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas)
• Oil
• Spices (salt, pepper, cumin)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix whole wheat flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Add water and knead into a soft dough.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin rotis.
4. Cook the rotis on a hot skillet until golden brown.
5. Sauté mixed vegetables in oil with spices.
6. Place the sautéed vegetables on the roti and roll it up.
7. Pack them in your lunch box and enjoy!

7) Mixed Vegetable Curry

Mixed Vegetable Curry is a wonderful dish to include in your Indian lunchbox. It’s healthy, colorful, and packed with flavors. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it versatile.

Start by sautéing onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. Then add your choice of chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Season with Indian spices for extra flavor.

This curry pairs beautifully with roti, paratha, or rice. It’s simple to make and sure to be a hit at lunchtime.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Stir in chopped onions, sauté until golden brown.
4. Add ginger and garlic, cook for another minute.
5. Mix in tomatoes and cook until soft.
6. Add mixed vegetables and spices. Stir well.
7. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
8. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

8) Chole (Chickpea Curry)

Chole is a delicious chickpea curry that is popular in many Indian households. It’s packed with flavors and makes a great lunch option for your lunch box. You can enjoy it with rice, parathas, or bhaturas.

To make Chole, you’ll need simple ingredients like chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. The curry has a rich taste and is both filling and healthy. It’s a perfect balance of protein and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil soaked chickpeas for 20 minutes until tender.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
3. Sauté onions until golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook briefly.
5. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
6. Stir in boiled chickpeas and spices. Mix well.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
8. Garnish with coriander and serve hot.

9) Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that is perfect for your lunch box. It combines basmati rice with mixed vegetables and aromatic spices. This meal is sure to please even picky eaters.

To make Vegetable Biryani, you can use a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes. Fresh herbs add a nice touch, too. This dish is colorful and nutritious, making it a great choice for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2-3 medium onions, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, potato, beans)
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon biryani spices
• Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs (like coriander)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pot over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add mixed vegetables and spices. Cook for a few minutes.
6. Drain the rice and add it to the pot with salt and 2 cups of water.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes.
8. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

10) Soya Chunks Stir Fry

Soya chunks stir fry is a quick and tasty option for your lunch box. It is packed with protein and offers a satisfying meal that pairs well with rice or chapati.

To make this dish, start by soaking soya chunks in hot water for about 15 minutes. Drain and squeeze out the excess water.

In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions, ginger, and garlic until golden. Add tomatoes and your favorite spices. Mix in the soya chunks and cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined.

Ingredients

• 1 cup soya chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Spices (salt, chili powder, garam masala)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak soya chunks in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. Drain and squeeze excess water from soya chunks.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Sauté chopped onions until golden.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes. Cook until soft.
5. Stir in salt, chili powder, and garam masala.
6. Add soya chunks and mix well. Cook for 5-7 minutes.