34 Indian Vegetarian Lunch Recipes

Collection of easy and healthy Indian vegetarian lunch recipes/ideas that you want to try for your next meal. Always wonder what to cook for your lunch or dinner? Then this post covers a list of Indian vegetable starters, main course dishes like curries, side dishes, and one-pot meals. These Indian recipes are easy to make, flavorful, and can be perfect for your lunch box, party, get-together, or as a regular day meal.

You could also find different collection of recipes below and more at recipe collections.

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What is special about Indian vegetarian lunch?

Lunch hours are the most important part of our day and enjoying a healthy meal helps to restore our body for the rest of the day. Even though there are different vegetarian dishes across the world, Indian recipes are special for their flavor, aroma, and taste. Not only they are tasty but they are also healthy that we require for our body.

Indian vegetarian dishes ideally balance the combination of protein, fiber, fat, and sugar to boost our system. Especially dals, roti, vegetables, rice in your lunch meal make them healthier.

Overall, Indian vegetarian lunch recipes are the ultimate way to spruce up your taste buds. And the recipes are flavorful, aromatic, and extremely unique that makes you fall in love with them. Whether you are packing for your lunch box or hosting a party at your home, these Indian vegetarian recipes are the best to savor your loved ones and family.

So let's explore different Indian vegetarian lunch ideas/recipes that I hope will make your lunch hours enjoyable. And I will be updating the list whenever I make a new dish in this category. So stay tuned and get ready to enjoy these healthy and easy lip-smacking dishes with friends and family.

Are you looking for Indian recipes to kick start your day? then check out this collection of Vegetarian breakfast Recipes which might help you to make a variety of simple, healthy, easy instant recipes at home. You could also check out these Plant-based Indian Vegan Recipes if you follow strict vegan diet.

Raita

Raita is a savory, slightly sour, and traditional Indian yogurt dip. It is usually made with yogurt (curd) fresh veggies, herbs, fruits, fried snacks, and basic spice powders. Raita is one of the best and easy-to-make side sauces that pairs great with biryani recipes like chicken biryani, lamb biryani, pulaos, naan, roti, kebabs, and spicy curries. And the best part is you can make this dish quickly in under 10 minutes.

Mushroom Biryani (Kalan Biryani)

Mushroom Biryani or Kalan biryani is an aromatic and flavor-filled meal prepared with basmati rice and it is authentic to South India, especially in Chettinad cuisine from Tamilnadu. This tasty biryani is served for lunch or dinner with raita.

Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice is aromatic, and long-grained rice that is popular in Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is widely used to make biryani, pulao, and other flavored rice. The recipe I have shared here shows you how to perfectly cook Basmati Rice with easy step-by-step instructions for you to try and enjoy at home. The method shared here to cook Basmati Rice delivers fluffier, light, and long-grained rice. It pairs perfectly with Indian curries and side dishes for lunch and dinner. And the best part is it comes in under 30 minutes.

Vegetable Biryani (Veg Biryani)

Vegetable or Veg biryani is a spicy, aromatic, and protein-rich rice dish which is popular in Indian subcontinent and other neighboring countries. This vegetable biryani is tasty, flavorful and nutrition rich one pot wholesome meal for biryani lovers and can be served for lunch/dinner.

Biryani Rice (Kuska Rice)

Biryani rice or Kuska rice is a flavorful one-pot vegetarian meal made with Seeraga Samba or Basmati rice, Indian spices, and herbs. It is a popular South Indian dish made without any veggies or meat and tastes similar to traditional Biryani. This biryani rice can be served with any veg or nonveg curries for lunch and dinner.

Matar Pulao (Peas Pulao)

Matar or Peas Pulao is a simple yet delicious one-pot Indian vegetarian meal made with basmati rice, green peas, and a few Indian whole spices and herbs. It is an easy and tasty dish that can be done in under 30 minutes and can be served for lunch, dinner, or a party.

Matar pulao/green peas pulao prepared in pressure cooker

Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)

Pudina rice or Mint pulao is a wholesome one-pot Indian meal. This rice dish is usually prepared with fresh mint leaves, ginger, garlic, Indian spices, and masalas. And it is a perfect vegan-friendly dish that can be served for lunch, dinner, and as a lunch box meal. This Pudina/mint rice tastes great with side dishes like vegetable korma, chicken Chettinad, egg curries, and similar other dishes.

Khichdi

khichdi is a tasty, quick and healthy one-pot Indian dish. It is prepared with dal, cracked wheat, Indian whole spices, tomato, ginger garlic paste, chili powder, and Indian herbs. This Khichdi is a perfect vegan-friendly dish and can be served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

White Sauce Pasta

White Sauce Pasta is a rich and creamy dish loaded with flavors of garlic and Italian seasoning. The cooked Penne Pasta is usually mixed with a silky smooth white sauce called Béchamel Sauce made of butter, flour and milk. This homemade White Sauce pasta is a perfect dish to enjoy for lunch, dinner or as a after school evening snack.

Ragi Kanji

Ragi kanji/porridge is healthy, filling, and a wholesome south Indian meal. It tastes best when served chill and can be consumed along with mor milagai(curd chili)/sundaikkai vathal(fried turkey berry), a typical village style side dish.

Ragi Balls (Muddle)

Ragi balls is a tasty, melt in the mouth, nutritious South Indian meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast/lunch or dinner.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable fried rice is a simple, irresistibly delicious, and flavorful Indo- Chinese meal that one could indulge in and it is a perfect dish for lunch, dinner, and as a party meal.

Atho (Burmese Food)

Atho is a traditional Indo Burmese street-style food from Burmese cuisine. This Atho is one of the popular Chennai street foods that is simple, spicy, and can be relished as a filling meal.

Vatha Kuzhambu (Vathal Kulambu)

Vatha Kuzhambu or Vathal Kulambu is a tasty and authentic vegetarian curry dish from Tamilnadu, a South Indian state. It is usually prepared with special spice powder, Sundakkai (sundried turkey berries), Tamarind water, jaggery, and Indian spices. This vatha Kuzhambu is usually served as a side dish with steamed rice for lunch and dinner.

Sundakkai Vatha Kuzhambu / Vathal Kara Kulambu

Meal Maker Curry (Soya Chunks Curry)

Meal maker curry or Soya chunks curry is a protein-rich Indian dish made with soya or meal maker with spices which is a perfect substitute for meat. This curry can be served with roti, chapati, or rice dishes.

Sambar Recipe

Sambar is an authentic and tasty side dish from south India. It is usually prepared with varieties of vegetables, cooked dal, tamarind pulp, and a special spice blend called sambar powder. It is a healthy, protein-packed vegan-friendly dish that is usually served as a side dish with South Indian breakfast dishes like idli, dosa, Pongal, uttapam, and also part of a full-course meal with plain rice.

Gutti Vankaya Curry (Kura)

Gutti Vankaya curry or Kura is a stuffed brinjal curry authentic to Andhra, South India. Gutti vankaya curry is usually prepared with special peanut masala powder that is stuffed in brinjal and then simmered in onion tomato curry. It is a simple, rich, and vegan-friendly dish that makes a perfect side dish for roti, parotta, chapati, rice, and biryani.

Gutti Vankaya Kura/Koora, Andhra Sytle Brinjal Curry

Vegetable Korma (Veggie Kurma)

Vegetable Korma or Veggie Kurma is a delicious and flavorful Indian side dish. It is usually prepared with fresh vegetables, Indian spices along with coconut and nut-based paste. This Vegetable korma is a popular and common dish across Indian restaurants and households. It is a perfect vegan-friendly and gluten-free side dish for naan, basmati rice, jeera rice, parotta, chapati biryani, poori, idli, dosa, idiyappam, and similar other dishes.

Hotel style vegetable kurma south indian style

Paneer Masala (Dhaba Style )

Paneer masala is a simple and delicious Indian curry dish. It is an onion tomato-based paneer gravy dish popular across the country. It is made with basic ingredients like paneer, Indian spices, and herbs. And it can be served as the perfect side dish for roti, chapati, and most rice dishes.

Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a smooth, creamy, and healthy Indian curry dish. It is usually made with fresh spinach, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), basic Indian whole spices, powders, herbs and with or without cream. This Spinach Paneer curry is one of the best side dishes that are popular across the globe. And it tastes great with roti, chapati, naan, rice, or pulao for lunch and dinner. The best part is it tastes similar to your favorite Indian restaurants around.

Saag Paneer

Saag Paneer is a rich, creamy, and silky smooth Indian restaurant-style curry dish. It is usually made with variety of flavorful green leaves, aromatic Indian spices, fried paneer, and topped with heavy cream. This homemade version is easy and one of the best paneer recipes and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect healthy choice for both lunch and dinner. It can be served with naan, roti, chapati, basmati rice, or white rice for a satisfying meal.

Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala is a rich, creamy, and classical Indian veg curry dish. It is usually prepared by grilling paneer cubes which are mixed in a spicy onion-tomato gravy. This Paneer Tikka Masala is one of the best Indian curry dishes that pairs great as a side dish with roti, naan, matar pulao, basmati rice, and similar others dishes. And it tastes similar to the curry from your favorite Indian restaurant and can be served for lunch and dinner.

Chilli Paneer

Chilli Paneer is a sweet, sour, and spicy Indo-Chinese dish from the Chinese Hakka Heritage. It is the vegetarian version of the popular Chilli Chicken and is usually made with paneer, bell peppers, Chinese sauces, and aromatics. This restaurant-style Chilli Paneer is one of the best appetizer dishes that also tastes great with fried rice, noodles, and other sides of your choice for lunch and dinner. And the best part is it comes under in 30 minutes.

Chole

Chole is a spicy, tangy, and flavorful Punjabi Style Indian curry dish. It is usually made with chickpeas, Indian spices, herbs, and flavor-bursting Chole masala powder. This homemade Chole Masala is one of the finger-licking curry dishes that taste great with bhatura, poori, roti, naan, or rice.

Aloo Gobi (Alu Gobi)

Aloo Gobi (Alu gobi) is a tasty and flavorful one-pot vegetarian side dish popular in most restaurants and households of India. It is prepared with minimal ingredients like cauliflower, potato, and Indian spices. This alu gobi is a perfect vegan-friendly side dish that be can be served with naan, chapati, roti, jeera rice, or ghee rice.

Indian Aloo Gobi Masala | Potato Cauliflower Dry

Kadala Curry

Kadala curry is one of the popular Indian side dishes from the state of Kerala. It is a classical curry made with black chickpeas(chana), fresh ground garam masala paste that are seasoned in coconut oil. This kadala curry is a staple food prepared in most of the Kerala restaurants and households of the state. And it is a vegan-friendly side dish served with puttu, appam, idiyappam, Kerala matta rice, or vadi matta rice.

Bhindi Masala

Bhindi Masala is a popular and healthy Indian side dish made with okra (ladies fingers), onions, tomatoes, Indian spices, and herbs. It is one of the easiest and flavorful dishes that tastes great with roti, chapati, rice, or naan.

Chana Masala

Chana masala is a tasty, hot, and spicyIndian side dish prepared with white chickpeas, indian spices and herbs. It is typically served with rice, flatbread/roti, or just as a snack topped with crushed puri, onions, and cilantro/coriander leaves.

Rasam Recipe

Rasam is a tasty and tangy authentic South Indian soup-like dish made by simmering tomato water, garlic, Indian spices, and herbs. This rasam act as comfort food for cold, cough, and helps for easy digestion. It tastes best when served with white rice for lunch or dinner.

Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a hot, smoky and authentic Indian appetizer dish. It is usually made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and veggies that are marinated in a flavorful yogurt marinade and traditionally grilled in a tandoor. This Paneer Tikka can be easily made in oven, air fryer or stove top and can be served as an appetizer, side dish or an entrée for lunch and dinner.