10+ Indian Lunch Box Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Indian lunch box recipes are a delightful way to explore a variety of tasty and nutritious meals. These recipes not only cater to diverse tastes but also make lunchtime fun and exciting. With countless vegetarian and flavorful options, packing an Indian lunch box can be both easy and satisfying for everyone.

Whether you’re preparing for a busy school day, work, or a family outing, these recipes can inspire you to create well-balanced meals. You can mix and match ingredients to keep things fresh and interesting, ensuring that your lunch boxes are never boring.

Paneer Tikka Wrap

You can make a delicious Paneer Tikka Wrap that is perfect for your lunch box. This wrap combines spiced grilled paneer with fresh veggies and soft flatbread. It’s tasty and filling.

Start by marinating paneer in yogurt and spices like cumin, coriander, and chili. Let it soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. Then, grill or cook the paneer until it is golden and warm.

Next, take a roti or naan and place the grilled paneer in the center. Add crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Drizzle with your favorite sauce for extra flavor.

Now, wrap it up tightly and pack it for lunch. It’s easy to carry and tastes great even when cold.

Ingredients

• 250 g Paneer
• 1 cup Yogurt
• 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1 Roti or Naan
• 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (bell peppers, onions)
• Sauce of choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut paneer into cubes.
2. Mix yogurt and spices in a bowl.
3. Marinate the paneer in the yogurt mixture for 30 minutes.
4. Grill the paneer until golden.
5. Place grilled paneer on roti or naan.
6. Add fresh vegetables and sauce.
7. Wrap tightly and enjoy!

Vegetable Pulao

Vegetable Pulao is a flavorful rice dish that combines assorted vegetables with aromatic spices. It’s a great lunch box option because it’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.

To make Vegetable Pulao, you will need good quality basmati rice. Soaking the rice for about 10 minutes helps it cook better and stay fluffy. You can use a mix of your favorite vegetables, like peas, carrots, and beans.

You can serve your Vegetable Pulao with yogurt-based raita or a side of pickle. This adds a delicious touch to your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2-3 whole spices (cumin seeds, bay leaf)
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add whole spices. Sauté for a minute.
3. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables, salt, and soaked rice.
5. Add water (2 cups) and bring to a boil.
6. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.

3) Masala Oats

Masala oats are a healthy and tasty option for your lunch box. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavors. You can enjoy them any time of the day, but they make a great meal for lunch.

To make masala oats, you can add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers. The spices give it a nice kick, making each bite enjoyable. This dish is also vegan and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.

You can prepare masala oats in a pot or use an Instant Pot for quicker cooking. This dish is nutritious and keeps you feeling full.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• Salt, to taste
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Stir in onions and green chili, cooking until soft.
4. Add mixed vegetables and spices; cook for a few minutes.
5. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add oats, reduce heat, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
7. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

4) Aloo Paratha

Aloo Paratha is a tasty Indian flatbread filled with spiced mashed potatoes. This dish is popular for breakfast or lunch and is easy to pack for kids.

To start, you’ll need boiled potatoes, which should be just tender. Mix them with spices, like cumin and coriander, along with chopped onions and green chilies for a flavorful filling.

Then, roll out your dough, place the filling inside, and seal it well.

Cook the parathas on a hot tawa or skillet until they are golden brown. Add a little ghee or butter for extra flavor. Serve them warm with yogurt, pickles, or your favorite chutney.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 medium potatoes (boiled)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1-2 green chilies (chopped)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Ghee or butter for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil potatoes until tender. Mash them in a bowl.
2. Add spices, onions, and salt to the potatoes. Mix well.
3. Take a small ball of dough and flatten it.
4. Place some potato filling in the center.
5. Seal the dough and roll it out gently.
6. Heat a tawa and cook the paratha until golden brown, adding ghee or butter.

5) Rajma Chawal

Rajma Chawal is a classic Indian dish that features red kidney beans cooked in a flavorful gravy, served with steamed rice. This combination is nutritious and filling, making it a great choice for lunch boxes.

You can prepare Rajma by soaking the kidney beans overnight for better cooking. Once soaked, boil them until they are soft.

In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add tomatoes, spices, and the cooked beans. Then, simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve this curry with warm rice for a wholesome meal.

Kids love this dish because it is tasty and satisfying. You can pack it with some yogurt for extra creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red kidney beans (rajma)
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• Spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala)
• 1 cup basmati rice
• Salt to taste
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak 1 cup of kidney beans overnight.
2. Drain and pressure cook the beans until soft.
3. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies.
5. Mix in the cooked beans and spices, adding salt to taste.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
7. Cook basmati rice separately and serve with the rajma.

6) Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad is a nutritious and colorful dish perfect for your lunch box. It’s quick to make and packed with protein, making it a great option for keeping energized throughout the day.

Start with canned or cooked chickpeas as your base. Add chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley. A squeeze of lime juice gives it a refreshing kick.

You can mix in nuts for added crunch. Walnuts and pumpkin seeds are excellent choices. If you like a little sweetness, consider adding raisins.

This salad can easily be customized. Feel free to add spices like cumin or black salt for extra flavor. Enjoy it on its own or as a side with flatbread.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: nuts and seeds (walnuts, pumpkin seeds, raisins)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse chickpeas and place them in a bowl.
2. Add diced cucumber and tomatoes.
3. Stir in fresh herbs and lime juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix in optional nuts and seeds if desired.

7) Spicy Quinoa Bowl

A Spicy Quinoa Bowl is a tasty and nutritious lunch option. It’s perfect for adding variety to your lunchbox and is easy to prepare. You can customize it to suit your taste.

Start by cooking quinoa until it’s fluffy. You’ll want about one cup cooked. Then, add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers for crunch and color.

For flavor, mix in spices like cumin, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. This adds a nice kick. You can also toss in some black beans for extra protein.

To finish, garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado. This makes your bowl look vibrant and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers)
• ½ cup black beans
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro or avocado (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Dice your choice of vegetables.
3. In a bowl, mix quinoa, vegetables, black beans, spices, and lime juice.
4. Garnish with cilantro or avocado before serving.

8) Methi Thepla

Methi Thepla is a delicious Indian flatbread made with fresh fenugreek leaves and whole wheat flour. It’s nutritious and perfect for lunch boxes, travels, or snacks.

You can enjoy these soft, spicy flatbreads with yogurt or pickles. They are easy to make and stay soft for hours. This makes them ideal for picnics or quick meals.

The unique flavor of the methi leaves adds a special touch. Plus, they are packed with health benefits.

Methi Thepla is simple and rewarding to prepare, whether you’re new to cooking or an expert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the whole wheat flour, methi leaves, spices, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add water gradually to form a soft dough.
3. Divide the dough into small balls.
4. Roll each ball into a thin circle.
5. Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
6. Cook the flatbread on both sides, applying oil as needed.
7. Serve warm with yogurt or pickles.

9) Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a tasty and easy lunch box recipe. It’s popular in South India and makes a perfect dish for school or work. This rice has a nice tangy flavor from fresh lemon juice.

You can prepare it quickly, making it ideal for busy mornings. The ingredients blend well together, creating a simple yet delicious meal. You will love the crunch from peanuts and the aroma of mustard seeds.

Lemon rice can be served warm or at room temperature. This makes it a great option for packing in lunch boxes. Enjoy this tasty dish and bring some excitement to your meals!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp chana dal
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 tbsp peanuts
• 2 tbsp oil
• Curry leaves (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add chana dal and peanuts, cooking until golden.
4. Mix in the cooked rice, salt, and lemon juice.
5. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve warm or pack in a lunch box. Enjoy!

10) Dal Tadka with Rice

Dal Tadka with Rice is a comforting and hearty dish. It’s a favorite in many Indian households. This meal brings together the flavors of spiced lentils and fluffy rice.

To prepare, you will first cook the dal, or lentils, with spices such as turmeric and red chili powder. You can use an Instant Pot for a quick and easy method. Cooking the dal in an Instant Pot takes about 12 minutes at high pressure.

While the dal cooks, you can prepare the rice. Placing a trivet in the pot allows you to cook both at the same time. The rice will be ready in just 5 minutes under the same pressure.

This dish is packed with protein and is perfect for lunchboxes. Pair it with jeera aloo, or cumin potatoes, for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dal (lentils)
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the dal and soak it for 30 minutes.
2. In the Instant Pot, add the dal, water, salt, chili powder, and turmeric.
3. Pressure cook for 12 minutes at high pressure.
4. Place a trivet over the dal and add the rice in a bowl.
5. Cook for 5 minutes on high pressure.
6. Release the pressure and enjoy!