Are you feeling the squeeze between work deadlines and your rumbling stomach? Juggling a busy schedule doesn't mean sacrificing delicious and nutritious meals. In the age of remote work, your home must have transformed into a bustling office, with your kitchen counter doubling up as a desk and your lunch breaks often overlapping with email replies.
Amidst long meetings, food often takes a backseat. However, even you know what a skipped meal could do to your health. Or worse, if you’re ordering takeouts on a daily basis, it would add up to an unhealthy lifestyle. But hey, you don’t have to fall victim to this.
Picture this: you're in the midst of a busy workday, deadlines looming, and hunger creeping in. Instead of reaching for the nearest packaged snack, imagine treating yourself to a wholesome meal that's as simple to prepare as it is delicious to savour. From hearty breakfast options like masala oats to comforting dinners like egg curry, these recipes are designed to nourish both your body and soul without requiring long hours of prep time. So, grab your apron, and get ready to fill your tummy without hampering your work.
1. Masala Oats
Answer honestly, aren’t you tired of spreading butter and jam on a piece of bread? This is the time to add flavour to your diet with the easiest and most lip-smacking breakfast option. Masala oats combine the goodness of oats with a flavorful mix of spices and vegetables. Simply sauté some onions, tomatoes, and green chillies, add your favourite spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder, then toss in the oats and water. In just a few minutes, you'll have a piping-hot bowl of masala oats ready to fuel your morning.
2. Vegetable Poha
On the days when you want to travel back to your grandmother’s place, but work gets in the way, try making vegetable poha. Poha is one of the favourite brunch options in India requiring little to no effort. Just take a pan and sauté onions, peas, and peanuts in a pan, add soaked poha, and season with salt, turmeric, and a pinch of sugar. And there’s your aromatic and colourful meal ready to be savoured.
3. Chutney Cheese Sandwich
Let’s face it: making a sandwich wouldn’t take more than ten minutes, and with just a few tweaks, you can turn it into a quick and tasty lunch. So, when you don’t have the time, the green chutney and cheese would do the trick. Spread some green chutney on slices of bread, add a slice of cheese, and some cucumber or tomato slices if you like. You can choose to grill or toast as per your liking. The best part? You can just eat them while checking your emails or taking a break for a stroll.
4. Yoghurt and Sprout Salad
For those days when you prefer something light yet fulfilling, maybe for lunch or even as a healthy evening snack option, a yoghurt and sprout salad is perfect. All you need to do is mix together sprouted moong beans, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Add a dollop of curd, some chaat masala, and a pinch of salt, and you’re done! It is the easiest and healthiest option when you have too much work from home to do.
5. Paneer Bhurji
When dinner-time rolls around, opt for a protein-packed dish like paneer bhurji. The very famous scrambled cottage cheese dish is easy to make and incredibly versatile. Start by sautéing onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a pan. Crumble in some paneer and season with salt, pepper, and your favourite spices. In no time, you'll have a delicious paneer bhurji that pairs perfectly with roti or rice.
6. Vegetable Pulao
Here’s another fuss-free dinner option, consider making up a flavorful vegetable pulao. This one-pot meal is packed with vegetables and aromatic spices, making it both nutritious and satisfying. Veg pulao can be made quickly in a pressure cooker. With just some effort, fry some onions, mixed vegetables, and a few spices, add rice and water, and cook for two whistles. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both convenient and satisfying. If you’re a foodie, don’t forget to carry a bowl of raita and enjoy a sumptuous dinner.