20+ Easy Indian Recipes for Lunch

Quick & Easy Indian Lunch Recipes

Vegetarian Curries & Mains

Vegetarian Indian dishes are packed with flavor, nutrition, and comfort. These recipes are perfect for a wholesome lunch, combining fresh vegetables, legumes, and paneer with aromatic spices to create satisfying meals anyone can enjoy.

1. Palak Paneer (25–30 mins)
   
   A classic North Indian dish, Palak Paneer features soft cubes of cottage cheese simmered in a creamy spinach gravy. Blended with ginger, garlic, and mild spices, it’s both nutritious and flavorful. Serve it with steamed rice or rotis for a complete meal that’s quick yet indulgent.
2. Chana Masala (20–25 mins)
   
   This hearty chickpea curry is cooked in a spiced onion-tomato gravy, making it a protein-rich and filling option for lunch. With a tangy touch from tomatoes and subtle aromatics, Chana Masala pairs perfectly with rice, naan, or roti, and is easy to prepare on busy days.
3. Aloo Gobi (20 mins)
   
   A simple yet flavorful easy Indian recipe for lunch, Aloo Gobi combines tender potatoes and cauliflower stir-fried with turmeric, cumin, and ginger. Its vibrant color and mild spices make it an everyday favorite that’s quick to cook and pairs well with both rice and flatbreads.
4. Vegetable Pulao (20 mins)
   
   This fragrant rice dish is cooked with a mix of fresh vegetables and gentle spices like cumin, bay leaf, and cloves. Light, aromatic, and colorful, Vegetable Pulao is an effortless way to enjoy a wholesome meal with minimal prep, perfect for lunchboxes or family meals.
5. Stuffed Parathas (25 mins)
   
   Whole wheat flatbreads stuffed with fillings like potato, paneer, or spinach create a wholesome and satisfying dish. Easy to make, they are perfect for a quick lunch or snack and can be paired with yogurt, pickle, or chutney for extra flavor.

Non-Vegetarian Delights

Non-vegetarian recipes bring rich flavours and protein-packed goodness to everyday meals. From quick curries to one-pot rice dishes, these recipes are simple, wholesome, and perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying lunch without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Egg Curry (20 mins)
   
   A quick and comforting, easy Indian recipe for lunch is the egg curry features boiled eggs simmered in a tangy, spiced tomato-onion gravy. It’s hearty yet light, making it an excellent option for weekday lunches. Pair it with steamed rice or chapatis for a fulfilling, protein-rich meal.
2. Quick Chicken Curry (30 mins)
   
   This homestyle chicken curry is cooked in a flavourful onion-tomato base with basic spices, making it simple yet delicious. Ready in just half an hour, it delivers a comforting taste of home and goes perfectly with rice, rotis, or parathas.
3. Fish Curry (25 mins)
   
   Prepared with a coconut and tamarind base, this fish curry is light, aromatic, and packed with coastal flavours. It’s quick to make and pairs beautifully with steamed rice, offering a nutritious and flavourful lunch option without being too heavy.
4. Chicken Pulao (30 mins)
   
   A fragrant one-pot dish, Chicken Pulao combines rice, chicken, and aromatic spices to create a wholesome, balanced meal. It’s quicker than biryani but just as satisfying, making it an ideal choice for both weekday meals and lazy weekend lunches.

Grab-and-Go Wraps

Wraps are the perfect solution for busy days when you need a meal that’s quick, portable, and satisfying. Indian-style wraps bring together bold flavours, fresh fillings, and soft rotis, making them both wholesome and convenient.

1. Paneer Kathi Roll (20 mins)
   
   A popular street food classic, this roll features soft rotis stuffed with spiced paneer, crunchy onions, and tangy chutney. It’s protein-rich, flavourful, and perfect for a quick lunch or even a light dinner. Pair it with mint chutney or ketchup for extra zing.
2. Chicken Tikka Wrap (15–20 mins)
   
   If you are looking for easy Indian chicken recipes for lunch, the juicy chicken tikka pieces are a great option. Wrapped in warm rotis along with onions and refreshing mint chutney. This wrap is smoky, spicy, and irresistibly delicious. It’s a great grab-and-go option for office lunches or evening snacks.
3. Veg Frankie (20 mins)
   
   This Mumbai-style Street favourite comes with a spiced potato and mixed vegetable stuffing wrapped in a soft roti. Lightly tangy and spicy, it’s an affordable, filling, and tasty option for a quick meal on the move.

   Read our guide on How to make Frankie Recipe.

   Make wraps and rolls healthier and hassle-free—Rotimatic ensures fresh rotis whenever cravings strike Buy Now

   

Light & Steamed Options

When you’re craving something healthy yet filling, steamed and light, easy Indian veg recipes for lunch are the way to go. These recipes are gentle on the stomach, quick to prepare, and make for excellent breakfast or light lunch choices.

1. Idli with Chutney (15–20 mins)
   
   These soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes are a South Indian favourite, best enjoyed with coconut chutney or sambar. They’re light, wholesome, and packed with nutrients, making them a go-to for a balanced meal. Perfect for a quick, healthy start to the day.
2. Instant Dhokla (20 mins)
   
   This spongy, steamed snack made from gram flour is light, tangy, and full of flavour. With a quick tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies, it transforms into a crowd-pleaser. Great for tea-time, breakfast, or even a light mid-day snack.
3. Vegetable Upma (15–20 mins)
   
   One easy Indian dish for lunch is the Upma. Made with roasted semolina, upma is cooked with vegetables, curry leaves, and a hint of ginger for added freshness. Cashews give it a slight crunch, balancing texture and taste. It’s quick, filling, and ideal for a nourishing breakfast or light lunch.

Salads & Sides

No Indian meal feels complete without refreshing sides. Quick and easy Indian recipes for lunch, these salads and raitas are nutritious, flavour-packed, and make a perfect balance to heavier curries or rice dishes.

1. Kala Chana Salad (10 mins)
   
   This protein-rich salad combines boiled black chickpeas with fresh onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dash of lemon juice. Lightly spiced with chaat masala, it’s a wholesome side dish that’s both filling and refreshing.
2. Sprouted Moong Salad (10 mins)
   
   Loaded with fibre and protein, sprouted moong beans are tossed with onions, tomatoes, and coriander, finished with a squeeze of lime. It’s crunchy, tangy, and perfect as a light lunch or accompaniment to any meal.
3. Peanut Salad (10 mins)
   
   Made with roasted peanuts, chopped onions, green chilies, and fresh coriander, this salad is crunchy and satisfying. A drizzle of lemon juice ties it all together, making it a quick, healthy snack or side.
4. Beetroot Raita (5–7 mins)
   
   Cool and colourful, this yogurt-based side features grated beetroot, cumin, and a pinch of salt. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and a great way to add freshness while balancing spicy curries.

Street-Style & Chaat

Bring the flavours of easy lunch ideas from Indian streets right to your kitchen with these quick chaats. Bursting with tang, spice, and crunch, they’re perfect for snacking or even as a light meal.

1. Chana Chaat (10–15 mins)
   
   This tangy and spicy snack features boiled chickpeas tossed with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh coriander. A drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala elevate the flavour, making it a wholesome yet street-style favourite.
2. Dahi Puri (15 mins)
   
   A classic easy Indian recipe for lunch is the chaat, made with crispy puris stuffed with mashed potato, chilled yogurt, and a mix of sweet and spicy chutneys. Finished with sev and coriander, this quick-to-make dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy in every bite.

   Read our guide on Home Made Pani Puri Recipe.

Desserts & Sweet Touch

No Indian meal feels complete without a sweet ending. These quick desserts are simple to prepare yet full of flavour, giving your lunch or dinner the perfect finishing touch.

1. Sooji Halwa (15 mins)
   
   A comforting Indian classic, this semolina-based dessert is roasted in ghee, sweetened with sugar, and enriched with cardamom. Garnished with roasted nuts, it’s quick to whip up and brings warmth to festive meals or weekday treats alike.
2. Quick Kheer (20–25 mins)
   
   This shortcut version of traditional rice pudding uses condensed milk to save time while keeping the rich flavour intact. Slow-cooked rice, cardamom, and a touch of saffron make it creamy and indulgent, ideal for when you want dessert without the long prep.

Cooking Indian food doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With these quick and easy Indian recipes for lunch, you can enjoy the authentic flavours of Indian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a wholesome curry, a light snack, or a sweet treat, these dishes prove that delicious home-cooked meals can be both simple and satisfying.