### Quick and Healthy Lunch Recipes: Transforming Pulao into Paratha in 30 Minutes

By

Bornika Das

Updated: Feb 07, 2024

Lunch recipes don’t always need to be extravagant and fancy. Quick, wholesome, and healthy lunch options can also be explored. This article presents nutritious lunch recipes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Continue reading for more details.

Image Credit: Paratha | Image Credit: Freepik.com

Lunch is considered a significant meal of the day. While many individuals plan elaborate and luxurious lunch spreads, time constraints often lead to the preference for quick and healthy meals. A balanced and nutritious lunch plays a vital role in sustaining energy levels and maintaining a healthy diet. It is essential to incorporate nutrient-rich foods from various food groups into the menu, even during busy hours. Opting for homemade meals over outside food enables better control over ingredients and portion sizes, promoting productivity and overall well-being.

For those seeking quick and healthy lunch options that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, consider the following dishes:

• Vegetable Pulao

A delightful rice dish that can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes, vegetable pulao serves as a perfect one-pot meal. Start by sautéing fragrant spices like cumin seeds, cloves, and cinnamon in a bit of ghee. Add diced onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Incorporate fresh vegetables such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, and beans along with soaked basmati rice. Mix well, pour in vegetable broth or water, and bring it to a boil. Cover and simmer until the rice is cooked to perfection.

• Chickpea Salad

An ideal and fulfilling meal, chickpea salad is quick to prepare. Boil chickpeas and combine them with fresh vegetables like diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions. Enhance the salad with chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. For added flavor and protein, include paneer and sliced olives. Dress the salad with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• Mixed Vegetable Curry

A mixed vegetable curry pairs well with rice or roti. Begin by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger until they are golden brown. Add a medley of vegetables including carrots, potatoes, peas, bell peppers, and cauliflower, along with tomatoes. Season with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala powder. Allow the vegetables to cook until tender yet slightly crunchy. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a finishing touch.