9 Instant Lunch Recipes Ready in Minutes

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Who wouldn’t love a wholesome lunch? Yet, in today’s fast-paced world, finding even 15 minutes to enjoy a proper meal feels like a luxury. Instead, we tend to grab whatever is convenient, overlooking essential nutritional content and calorie balance.

This approach can be detrimental to our well-being. Lunchtime is a golden opportunity: our metabolism is firing on all cylinders, and after a long morning, you’re eager for that much-needed break. Skipping a great meal at lunchtime can cause your heart to stop!

Whether eating at your desk, in front of the TV, or at a small café, remember that this meal should help you recharge for the rest of your day in just 25 mins. It’s essential to strike the right balance of nutrition, protein, fibre, healthy fats, and natural sugars—components that fuel both bodies and minds effectively. So, here are some easy lunch ideas for packing your kids lunch box incorporating rice recipes and noodles for a delicious lunch!

1. Instant Paneer Tikka Masala Rice

 

Paneer Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish that combines marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. It’s a delightful blend of spices and flavours, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe instructions:

• Marinate the paneer cubes with yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Grill or pan-fry the marinated paneer until golden brown and slightly charred. Set aside.
• Heat oil and sauté finely chopped onions in a pan until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
• Add pureed tomatoes, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
• Add cream and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the gravy. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Add the grilled paneer cubes to the gravy and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring the flavours together.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

This recipe turns store-bought paneer tikka masala, rasam, and cumin powder into a filling rice dish. First, cook veggies like onions, bell peppers, and broccoli peas until soft but crisp. Next, mix in cooked rice and add cauliflower along with the paneer tikka masala and fennel seeds. Let it heat on the stove. The result is a tasty grain bowl-style side dish and a protein-filled lunch ready in just a few minutes, giving an Instagram favourite aesthetic, too! Add fresh coriander for more flavour. For a healthier option, use brown rice.

Let it heat on the stove. The result is a tasty, protein-filled lunch ready in just a few minutes! Add fresh coriander for more flavour. For a healthier option, use brown rice.

Read More: Check out this fantastic Paneer Masala recipe to bring all the flavours of authentic Punjabi cuisine.

2. Quick Veg Pulao with Pre-cooked Rice

 

Quick Veg Pulao with Pre-cooked Rice is a simple and flavourful dish that can be prepared quickly, making it perfect for busy days. You can also add capsicum to enhance the flavour.

Recipe instructions:

• Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom. Sauté until the spices release their aroma.
• Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
• Add chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, beans, and bell peppers. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
• Add pre-cooked rice to the pan. Mix well with the vegetables and spices.
• Season with salt, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for a few more minutes until the rice is heated.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with raita or a side salad.

Enjoy your Quick Veg Pulao!

3. Instant Pot Khichdi

 

Instant Pot Khichdi is a comforting and nutritious dish with rice and lentils. It’s perfect for a quick and wholesome meal.

Recipe instructions:

• Rinse 1 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of moong dal (yellow lentils) thoroughly. Drain and set aside.
• Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add two tablespoons of ghee or oil. Once hot, add one teaspoon of cumin seeds and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
• Add one finely chopped onion, one chopped green chilli (optional), and one tablespoon of grated ginger. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
• Add the rinsed rice and lentils to the pot. Stir well to combine with the spices.
• Add 4 cups of water, one teaspoon of turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Mix everything well.
• Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook on High for 8 minutes. Ensure the pressure valve is set to sealing.
• Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
• Open the lid and stir the khichdi a little. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with a dollop of ghee, yoghurt, or pickle.

4. Microwave Mug Dhokla

 

Dhokla is a tasty Gujarati snack made with gram flour. It can be paired with okra for an added delicious twist. This simple microwave mug recipe makes it easy to turn it into a quick and healthy lunch.

Recipe instructions:

• Mix 1/2 cup of besan (gram flour), 1/4 cup of suji (semolina), and 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid in a microwave-safe mug. Add salt, turmeric, and chilli powder to taste.
• Pour in water gradually to form a smooth batter. The consistency should be like idli batter.
• Add a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies on top.
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until the dhokla is cooked.

Also read about Moong Dal Dhokla recipe.

5. Quick Masala Pasta Indian Style

 

Masala pasta is an Indian dish that blends the comfort of pasta with strong Indian spices, making it a great option alongside chapati (yes, it’s a great pair, trust us). It’s a go-to lunch recipe for many kids and is especially easy to prepare quickly. If you’re a non-vegetarian, pair it with a quick chicken salad recipe and avocado and cucumber salad as a side.

Recipe instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, and green chillies. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
• Next, add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook the masala for a few minutes.
• Add boiled pasta to the masala and a splash of pasta water. Mix well.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

You can also check out the Chana Masala Pasta recipe.

6. Easy Lemon Rice

 

Lemon rice is a simple and tasty dish from South India. Rice is a staple for many Indian households since it is light. Lemon rice is refreshing and easy to prepare. The best part of this recipe is how light it feels in your stomach. The best part about this lunch recipe is that you can enjoy the leftovers with different toppings. Let’s check out the recipe instructions to make the perfect lunch box for your child.

Recipe instructions:

• In a saucepan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, peanuts, and dried red chillies. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
• Add curry leaves, chopped green chillies, turmeric powder, and asafoetida. Stir well.
• Mix in cooked rice, lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Toss everything together until the rice is coated with the flavours.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
• Lemon Rice is a refreshing dish for a quick lunch or light dinner.

7. Instant Rava Idli

 

If you have ever packed lunches, we’re sure you know Idlis, which is probably one of the best instant lunch recipes enjoyed all over India. These white fluffy pancakes paired with chutneys have become a go-to meal for many.

Recipe instructions:

• Combine rava (semolina), yoghurt, water, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes.
• Prepare the tempering by heating oil in a pan and adding mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, curry leaves, and cashews. Sauté until golden.
• Mix the tempering into the rava batter along with finely chopped coriander leaves. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
• Grease idli moulds and steam the rava idlis for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

8. Tomato Rice in a Pressure Cooker

 

Tomato rice is a vibrant and flavourful dish that combines aromatic spices with juicy tomatoes and rice. It’s a popular choice in many cuisines for its simplicity and comforting taste. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Many like to add basil to enhance it, but it’s your choice.

Recipe instructions:

• In a pressure cooker, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and chopped green chillies. Sauté for a minute.
• Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Then, mix in diced tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
• Now, add washed rice and water to the mixture. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for two whistles.
• Once done, let the pressure release naturally before opening the cooker.

9. Curd Rice with Fruits and Nuts

 

Curd rice is a creamy and cooling dish made with rice mixed with tangy yoghurt and seasoned with spices. It’s a soothing comfort food that’s quick to prepare and ideal for warm days.

Recipe instructions:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, mix cooked rice with yoghurt until well combined. Add finely chopped fruits like mangoes and pomegranate seeds and nuts like cashews and almonds.
• Sprinkle some salt and gently mix everything. In a tempering pan, heat oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies until the seeds crackle.
• Pour this tempering over the curd rice mixture. Refrigerate for a while before serving to enhance the flavours.
• This delightful twist on traditional curd rice will tantalise your taste buds with its fruity and nutty goodness!

Conclusion

These quick lunch recipes are great for busy days. They combine ease with tasty options. You can make dishes like Paneer Tikka Masala Rice, quick veg pulao, and Microwave Mug Dhokla in just a few minutes.

Whether you want savoury pasta or light Curd Rice with Fruits, these recipes suit different tastes. Try these fast recipes to enjoy a tasty and filling lunch without wasting time. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fastest ingredients to prep for an instant lunch?

With these easy ingredients, you can quickly prepare lunch. Use pre-washed bagged veggies, chicken or tofu, canned chickpeas, quinoa, and pre-cooked rice. Mix them with a tasty dressing or some spices for a simple and satisfying meal.

Can these instant lunch recipes be made in advance?

Sure! You can make many of these instant lunches ahead of time. Put them in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. You can eat them cold or heat them for a tasty and healthy lunch. However, some dishes, like curd rice, are best when fresh.

How can I add protein to these instant lunches?

You can increase the protein in your meals by adding paneer, shredded chicken, crumbled tofu, chickpeas, boiled eggs, or a bit of yoghurt. Mix a scoop of protein powder into your yoghurt rice for an extra protein boost.

Are there any instant dessert recipes to follow up lunch?

A quick and tasty dessert is a great way to finish these meals. Try a fruit salad with yoghurt, chia pudding, or a smoothie. Keep the portions small to go well with your lunch.