Lunch is usually the heaviest meal of the day. So, it is important that not only do we have a balanced meal, but also a healthy and filling diet. This will affect our overall health and energy for the day and also in the long term. So, are you in a soup regarding what you should have for lunch that does not de-rail your diet plans but at the same time, also keeps you full for the day to help you concentrate on your work and daily activities? Let us give you four simple and delicious healthy recipes that are the answers to all your doubts and questions.
Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas are full of protein and very delicious to consume in any form, whether it be our favourite chhole masala, chickpea tikki or a freshly made salad. If you are looking for healthier options for lunch, you can have chickpea salad. Let us see a quick recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled chickpea
- 1 medium onion chopped
- ½ tomato chopped
- ½ cucumber chopped
- 100 gms paneer
- Salt and pepper as required
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp chat masala
Method
- Take the boiled chickpea in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped onion, tomatoes and cucumber.
- Cut the paneer into small cubes and add it.
- Add salt, pepper and lemon juice.
- Give the salad a good mix and have it fresh.
Oats Khichdi
Khichdi is already very healthy, but when you replace the starchy rice with protein rich oats, your regular khichdi gets an amazing facelift in terms of nutritional values. It is the perfect option for a healthy and filling lunch. It does not change the taste of our favourite khichdi a lot, but it is just the right twist so as to not make our healthy lunch boring. So, the next time you crave a comforting bowl of khichdi, try and make it with oats and enjoy a portion guilt free.
Bajre ki Roti
How many times have you heard the advice that you need to give up roti and chapati if you want to remain healthy and fit? If I had a paisa for every time I've been told so, I'd be a millionaire swimming in all my favourite dishes. While the advice comes from the place of the general knowledge that roti is rich in carbs, we need to take into account the fact that we have several rotis besides the regular wheat ones. Let us look at the recipe for a healthy bajre ki roti.
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- 200gms bajre ka aata
- Lukewarm water
- Salt. As required
- Wheat for dusting
- Ghee
Method
- Knead the bajre ka aata with lukewarm water and add a pinch of salt.
- Knead for around 8-10 minutes till the dough is soft but firm.
- Make thin rotis using a rolling pin and dust with wheat flour.
- If the rotis break while rolling, the dough needs more kneading.
- Put the roti on tawa and use a wet cloth to moisten the roti.
- Flip the roti when the water evaporates and repeat the process.
- Serve the bajre ki roti hot with ghee.
Karela Aloo Bharta
It is not an Indian lunch if it does not have the mention of potatoes. But are we not discussing healthy lunch recipes? Well, our poor potato has been defamed but actually, consuming boiled potatoes is not bad for health at all. Combine that with karela and you get a very healthy lunch recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes, boiled
- 1 karela, boiled
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- Salt, as required
- Cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp ghee
Method
- Mash your boiled potatoes and karela separately.
- Heat the ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- When the seeds start to splutter, add the mashed karela.
- Stir it for 2 minutes and add potatoes.
- Add salt and mix properly.
- After the mixture changes colour, remove it from heat.
- Pour in a mixing bowl and add the chopped onion and chillies.
- Serve with steamed white or brown rice.
All these recipes take minimum time to prepare and give you maximum health benefits. Try them out and have a happy, healthy and nutritious lunch!
