6 Healthy Lunch Recipes That Can Be Made In Under 30 Minutes

Lunch is considered an important meal of the day. People plan out elaborate and lavish lunch menus. However, owing to time constraints, people have been opting for quick meals for lunch. Besides, they are also focusing on keeping the meal healthy.  

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A healthy and nutritious lunch is a crucial part of maintaining a balanced diet and sustaining energy levels throughout the day. The menu should include a variety of nutrient-rich foods from different food groups. Besides, it is important to plan a balanced diet even during tight schedule hours. Homemade meals must be preferred instead of outside food, as it allows better control over ingredients and portion sizes. A balanced lunch supports productivity and encourages the wellbeing of our overall health.  

For those who do not want to prepare elaborate but healthy lunch recipes that follow these dishes and take under 30 minutes. Take a look: 

• Vegetable Pulao  

This is a delightful rice dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It is a perfect, quick, and wholesome one-pot meal. To make this pulao, start by sautéing aromatic spices like cumin seeds, cloves, and cinnamon in a little ghee. Then add chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Next, toss the fresh vegetables, such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, and beans, along with soaked basmati rice. Stir everything well, add the vegetable broth or water and bring it to a boil. Cover and cook till the rice becomes tender.   

• Chickpea Salad   

This is an ideal, quick, and satisfying meal. To make this, boil the chickpeas and add fresh vegetables such as diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions. Add chopped coriander leaves for freshness of flavour. For an extra burst of flavour and protein, incorporate paneer and sliced olives. Dress the salad with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.   

• Paneer Stir Fry  

This is an ideal option for a healthy lunch that can be made in under half an hour. Here, cubes of paneer are lightly seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder. Colourful bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes are added to the pan. The vegetables and paneer are then stir-fried together, retaining their crispness and nutrients. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and squeeze lemon juice to add a zing to it.   

• Moong Dal Khichdi  

This is the healthiest and most nutritious meal of all time. To make this, rinse and soak moong dal and rice for a few minutes. In a pressure cooker or pot, sauté the chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chillies and add cumin seeds, ginger, and a pinch of turmeric powder until fragrant. Add the soaked moong dal and rice, along with water and salt and cook for 10–15 minutes. The khichdi can be tempered with ghee and fresh coriander leaves. 

• Mixed Vegetable Curry   

A mixed vegetable curry can be accompanied by rice or roti. It is started by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan until golden brown. Add a mix of vegetables, namely carrots, potatoes, peas, bell peppers, and cauliflower, along with tomatoes. Add spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala powder. Allow the vegetables to cook until tender and yet slightly crunchy. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.   

• Spinach Paratha  

Spinach paratha can be accompanied by aachar, dahi, or kadhi and can make a perfect, wholesome recipe. It is made by finely chopping spinach and kneading it with whole wheat flour, along with spices like cumin, coriander, and chilli powder. Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into flatbreads. In a tawa, add ghee and put the parathas and fry till golden brown and crisp.