A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Lunch Recipe

Indian cuisine is known for its diverse flavours, aromas, and textures that combine to create a unique culinary experience. Among the various meals that make up Indian cuisine, lunch is considered one of the most important, and there are many popular lunch recipes that generations of Indians have enjoyed. 

This guide will explore some of the most popular Indian Lunch Recipe that is delicious, nutritious, and easy to prepare.

Rajma dal recipe

Rajma dal recipe is a popular vegetarian dish from North India made with red kidney beans cooked in a spicy onion-tomato gravy. 

Here are the preparation instructions:

• Soak the red kidney beans in enough water overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain the water and rinse the beans.

•  Add the soaked kidney beans, 2 cups of water, and 1/2 tsp salt in a pressure cooker. Pressure cook for 5-6 whistles or until the beans are cooked.

•  In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

• Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Saute until the onions turn translucent.

•  Add chopped tomatoes, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.

•  Cook the tomato-onion mixture until it becomes soft and the oil separates.

•  Add the cooked kidney beans and boiling water to the tomato-onion mixture. Be sure to mix well and add more water if required. Combine thoroughly and regulate the texture by adding more as needed.

•  Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the gravy thickens.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Note: You can add cream or butter to the rajma dal for a richer taste.

Vegetable pulao

Vegetable pulao, also called vegetable pilaf or vegetable pulao, is a popular Indian dish made from fragrant basmati rice cooked with vegetables and spices. The dish is known for its unique combination of flavours and textures, making it a favourite for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Instructions:

•  Rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes.

• Heat the ghee or oil over medium heat in a large pot or pressure cooker. Add the cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaf, and sauté for a few seconds.

•  Add the sliced onions, green chilli, and sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

• Add the diced vegetables, green peas, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

•  Take out the rice and add it to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice with the vegetable mixture.
•  Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cook the rice for 15-20 minutes on low heat, covered, until the water is absorbed.

• If you use cashews and raisins, fry them separately until golden brown and add to the pulao.

•  Serve hot with fresh coriander leaves and with raita or any side dish of your choice.

Baingan ka bharta

Baingan ka bharta recipe is a popular vegetarian dish from India made with roasted eggplants mashed and cooked with spices. 

Here are the preparation instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. 

• Wash the eggplant and pierce it all over with a fork. 

• Place the eggplant on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until the skin becomes charred, and the eggplant is fully cooked.

•  Alternatively, you can roast the eggplant on a gas stove flame until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.

•  Remove the eggplant from the oven or stove and let it cool. Peel off the skin and mash the flesh with a fork or masher.

• In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

• Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Saute until the onions turn translucent.

• Add chopped tomatoes, green chilli, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well.

•  Cook the tomato-onion mixture until it becomes soft and the oil separates.

•  Add the mashed eggplant to the tomato-onion mixture. Mix well and cook for 10-15 minutes until the bharta is fully heated and the flavours are well combined.

•  Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan or roti.

Note: You can add peas or potatoes to the baingan ka bharta for extra flavour and nutrition.

The Summary 

Indian cuisine offers delicious vegetarian lunch options, with popular dishes such as Vegetable pulao, Rajma Dal, and Baingan Ka Bharta. These dishes are not only flavorful and satisfying but also rich in nutrients and easy to prepare. Whether you are a vegetarian or simply looking to try something new, these popular Indian lunch recipes are worth a try. Alternatively, you can spice up your lunchtime with these unique Indian recipes on the Spicyum page.