Easy and Delicious Lunch Box Recipes South Indian Style

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Preparing lunch boxes can be a challenging task, especially when accommodating picky eaters or looking to add variety to everyday meals. Whether you’re packing a lunch for your kid or yourself, you want it to be nutritious, easy to make, and, above all, delicious.

South indian cuisine, hailed for its aromatic spices and healthful ingredients, provides a treasure trove of recipes that check all these boxes. From the tangy tamarind rice (Puliyogare) to the traditional Vegetable Kurma, South Indian lunch box recipes are sure to bring joy to any midday meal.

This blog post is thus designed to guide you through some simple yet delightful lunch box recipes South Indian style. We’ve curated these recipes considering their ease of preparation, nutritional value, and ingredient availability. But let’s first understand a little more about these cuisines.

Understanding South Indian Cuisine

South Indian cuisine is revered worldwide for its rich flavours, fragrant spices, and diverse dishes. It’s packed with lively flavours that range from zingy and tangy to delightfully sweet and spicy, providing a culinary experience unlike any other.

Rice is a staple food in South Indian cuisines, and many recipes revolve around it—such as lemon rice, Coconut Rice, or the traditional tomato rice (thakkali sadam).

Dals and lentils also form a significant part of the South Indian menu, providing a healthy protein source, especially in vegetarian diets. Additionally, these dishes are often accompanied by delectable sides—tangy pickles, spicy chutneys, or cooling raita—that complement the main dishes quite well.

Easy Lunch Box Recipes South Indian Style

If you’re looking for nutritious, comforting, and flavourful lunch box recipes South Indian Style, you’re at the right place. Below are a few recipes that you can include in your lunch box series:

1. Lemon Rice

 

Known locally as Chitranna or Elumichai Sadam, Lemon Rice is a popular South India recipe. It is a perfectly packaged tangy delight for lunch boxes.

Here’s how to whip up this dish:

1. Start off by boiling the rice with a little bit of salt until it’s cooked through yet retains its separate grain texture. Once done, allow it to cool.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan or a kadai, and then add mustard seeds. Once the seeds begin to crackle, add urad and chana dal.
3. As the dals turn golden brown, stir in the peanuts. Follow this with chopped onions, green chillies, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
4. Add turmeric powder once the aromatics have sweated out to give the dish its signature vibrant yellow colour.
5. Switch off the flame and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Now mix the lemon mixture with the cooled rice and adjust the salt according to taste.

The Lemon Rice is now ready to be packed in your lunch box. It’s tangy and flavourful — a comforting and delightful meal for midday hunger pangs.

2. Mini Masala Uttapam

 

Mini masala uttapam is a savoury South Indian pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. It is topped with a colourful blend of diced vegetables and is a power-packed lunch box option for kids.

To begin with the recipe:

1. Prepare the dosa batter by soaking rice and urad dal separately for at least six hours. Grind to a smooth consistency separately before mixing and leaving it to ferment overnight.
2. Heat a tava or griddle and pour a ladle full of batter, spreading it lightly to make a thick mini uttapam.
3. Sprinkle the vegetables—including chopped onions, capsicum, tomatoes, and coriander—on top and press gently with a spatula. Don’t forget to drizzle a spoon of oil around the edges.
4. Flip over when the bottom turns golden brown, cooking until the other side is also done.

These uttapams, packed with nutritious vegetables and a soft, fluffy texture, make an ideal lunch box option. They’re satisfying, healthy, and will also keep you energised throughout the day.

3. Coconut Rice

 

Coconut Rice, known in south India as Thengai Sadam, is a quick, flavourful recipe that combines the richness of coconut with the indulgence of fluffy, cooked rice.

Here’s how you can prepare it:

1. Start by cooking rice as usual and keep it aside to cool.
2. Heat your cooking oil, add mustard seeds, chana dal, dried red chillies, and cashew nuts.
3. As the mustard pops and the dal turns golden brown, toss in some curry leaves, followed by freshly scraped/grated coconut.
4. Stir until the coconut becomes slightly warm – avoid browning or toasting.
5. Now turn off the stove and add in the cooked rice, adjusting salt as per taste.

This dish becomes an instant hit in lunch boxes. You may even pair it with a side of crispies or a tangy pickle.

4. Tamarind Rice (Puliyogare)

 

Tamarind rice, commonly known as puliyogare, is a popular south indian dish bursting with tangy flavours. However, the best part of this dish is that it’s very easy to make.

Just follow the steps below to do what is needed:

• Boil 1 cup of rice and let it cool.
• Soak a small piece of tamarind in water, then extract the juice. Use warm water and refrain from using cold water while you follow this step.
• Heat oil in a pan; add mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves; sauté until fragrant.
• Mix in the tamarind juice, turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt; cook for a few minutes.
• Add the cooked rice to the tamarind mixture and gently mix until well combined.
• Garnish with roasted peanuts, and enjoy!

Enjoy the zesty and satisfying flavours of puliyogare for a delightful meal.

5. Tomato Rice (Thakkali Sadam)

 

Tomato rice (thakkali sadam) is a vibrant addition to any lunch box, cooked with tangy tomato flavours. It’s a comforting and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Follow these quick steps:

• Boil 1 cup of rice and set aside.
• In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and chopped onions; sauté until golden.
• Mix in chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt; cook until the tomatoes soften.
• Add the cooked rice to the tomato mixture and stir gently to combine.
• Finish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot!

Enjoy this traditional South Indian favourite!

6. Chapati with Vegetable Kurma

 

Another lunch box recipe idea is a fulfilling lunch with chapati paired with flavourful vegetable kurma. It is the best combo to prepare. This South Indian dish combines soft chapatis with a rich and aromatic vegetable kurma made with fresh ingredients like mixed veggies, coconut milk, and spices.

Here’s the instructions to cook it:

• Mix 2 cups whole wheat flour and salt; add water to form a soft chapati dough. Let rest for 20-30 minutes.
• Divide into balls, roll into thin circles, and cook on a hot tawa until golden and puffed. Keep warm in aluminium foil.
• For vegetable Kurma, heat oil, add cumin seeds, then chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Sauté until golden.
• Stir in chopped tomatoes; cook until soft.
• Add mixed veggies, turmeric, and salt; cover and cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Blend grated coconut with a little water; add to the vegetable mix along with garam masala. Simmer until veggies are tender.

Pack this delightful meal in the lunch box for a satisfying and healthy lunch break.

7. Vegetable Biryani

 

Flavourful vegetable biryani, a South Indian favourite, combines fragrant basmati rice with an array of colourful veggies, all cooked to perfection. The aromatic blend of spices like cumin powder and chilli powder creates a delightful symphony of flavours.

Check the recipe:

• Rinse and soak the Basmati rice for 30 minutes. In a pot, boil water with cloves, cardamom, bay leaf, and salt. Add rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and set aside.
• In a large pot, heat oil or ghee. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Stir in green chillies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
• Mix in the chopped tomatoes and vegetables. Cook until the veggies are slightly tender.
• Add yoghurt (if using), mint, coriander, biryani masala, turmeric, and salt. Stir well and cook for a few minutes.
• Spread the partially cooked rice over the vegetable mixture. Drizzle a little oil or ghee on top. Cover tightly with a lid.
• Cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and flavours meld.
• Gently fluff the biryani with a fork and serve hot with raita or salad.

This wholesome meal is a sure hit in any lunch box, offering a balanced and satisfying meal.

Snack ideas for lunch box recipes South Indian style

At times, we want to ditch the main course recipe and instead opt for some snacks while packing our lunch boxes. Below are a few ideas for a tasty snack box. They add variety and nutrition to our meals.

1. Sundal (South Indian Chickpea Stir Fry)

 

Sundal, a popular South Indian chickpea stir-fry, is a nutritious and flavourful addition to any lunch box. Made with cooked chickpeas tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and fresh coconut, it is a perfect dish to include.

How to cook it?:

• In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Let them crackle.
• Add urad dal and green chillies; sauté for a minute.
• Add cooked chickpeas, turmeric, and salt. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add grated coconut if desired, and garnish with coriander.

Sundal is a healthy snack and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings.

2. South Indian Style Vegetable Cutlets

 

Delight your taste buds with South Indian-style vegetable cutlets, a perfect addition to your lunch box. These savoury cutlets blend colourful veggies like carrots, peas, and potatoes.

An easy way to prepare it:

• In a bowl, combine mashed vegetables, bread crumbs, onion, green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, salt, and coriander.
• Form the mixture into small patties.
• Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the patties until golden brown on both sides.

You may enjoy these vegetable cutlets with a side of chutney or ketchup for a satisfying meal on the go.

3. Steamed Lentil Paniyarams

 

Paniyarams are a delightful South Indian snack, perfect for the lunch box. They are healthy and easy to make, fitting for busy mornings.

To prepare steamed lentil paniyarams:

• Soak urad dal and rice in water for 4-6 hours or overnight.
• Drain and blend the soaked dal and rice with a little water to a smooth batter. Add green chillies, ginger, cumin seeds, and salt.
• Grease a paniyaram or idli pan with oil.
• Pour the batter into the moulds, filling them about 3/4 full. Steam for about 10-15 minutes until cooked.
• Let them cool slightly, then remove them from the moulds. Serve warm with chutney or sambar.

Enjoy this nutritious snack!

Also Read: Latest Paniyaram Recipes

Conclusion

Packing a nutritious and flavoursome South Indian style lunch box can be a delightful experience. By incorporating items like fluffy rice, variety rice, flavourful sambar, beetroot puree, crispy vegetable fritters, and tangy curd, you can create a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and energising.

Adding a sweet treat, such as a small piece of jaggery or a fruit, completes the lunch box beautifully.

Remember, the key is to combine taste and health effortlessly. However, at times, you may even add chocolate cupcakes, banana chips, potato roast, beetroot idiyappam, carrot chips, carrot fry, banana swirl bread, caramelised banana, and other such delicious dishes to satisfy your taste buds.

So, enjoy preparing these lunch box recipes South Indian style and make your lunch box a highlight of the day!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some typical lunch box recipes South Indian style?

Some typical lunch box recipes South Indian style often include flavourful dishes like coconut rice, chapati with vegetable kurma, paneer butter masala, pressure cook vegetable biryani, brinjal tawa fry, cajun spice mix, and broccoli poriyal. You may even consider sundal, bread jam butter toast, cauliflower poriyal recipe, vegetable cutlets, beet idiyappam, and steamed lentil paniyarams as snack ideas for lunch.

What are some options for a quick and easy variety of rice kids lunchboxes?

Some quick and easy food lunch box options include tamarind rice (puliyogare), tomato rice (thakkali sadam), dal rice, and vegetable biryani. These South Indian favourites are flavourful, satisfying, and perfect for a delicious lunch on the go.

How can I make my child eat vegetables in their lunch box?

Encourage your child to eat vegetables by preparing lunch box recipes South Indian Style. Sneak them into familiar dishes like vegetable biryani, chapati with vegetable kurma, and South Indian-style vegetable cutlets. Alternatively, you can also make carrot poriyal, banana fritters, banana appam recipe, beans poriyal, bread slices, and awesome sandwiches in their lunch box.

What are some excellent lunch box recipes in tamil?

Some excellent lunch box recipes tamil include attractive curd rice, vegetable kurma, sambar rice, aloo gobhi, etc. These flavourful and nutritious recipes make them perfect for a balanced lunch box!

What are some handy tips to make lunch box recipes South Indian style?

To make easy lunch box recipes South Indian style, you must follow a few simple tips. Always opt for fresh ingredients, balance the flavours as and when needed, soak rice and lentils for dishes like dosa and idli, use the correct consistency, and garnish thoughtfully. Occasionally, one may pack some side dishes, including colour idlers, choco pie, chicken mayo sandwich, cheese sandwich, chapati noodles, and crispy cornflakes, as a kids’ lunch box.