Veg Recipe for Lunch Indian: 5 Healthy Sabzis With Seasonal Veggies
Discover five nutritious and flavorful Indian vegetable dishes perfect for weekday lunches. These seasonal sabzis feature spinach-potato, mixed vegetables, pumpkin, cauliflower-peas, and okra-tomato combinations that are quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with authentic Indian flavors. Ideal for meal prep and suitable for the whole family!
Equipment
- 1 cup Basmati rice Rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 2 tbsp Ghee Can substitute with oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds Whole, not ground
- 1 Deep pot With matching lid
- 2 Mixing bowls Medium size
- 1 Chef's knife Needs sharpening
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice Rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 2 tbsp Oil or ghee Either works well
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds Whole seeds
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium heat
- Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2-3 cloves
- When spices are fragrant, add 1 sliced onion and sauté until golden
- Add 1 cup mixed vegetables and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Notes
- Substitutions: Long-grain jasmine rice can be used instead of basmati, but reduce water slightly and adjust cooking time. For a gluten-free version, ensure your garam masala is certified gluten-free.
- Vegetables: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand - potato cubes, corn, bell peppers, and green peas all work well. Aim for about 1-1.5 cups total.
- Make Ahead: This pulao tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Portion cooled pulao into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
- Reheating: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water over the rice before reheating in the microwave to prevent drying out. Cover with a damp paper towel for best results.
- Serving Suggestions: Pairs wonderfully with raita, pickle, or a simple salad. For a complete meal, serve with dal (lentil curry) on the side.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, try adding 1-2 green chilies, 1/4 teaspoon of saffron soaked in warm milk, or a handful of toasted cashews or raisins.
- Traditional Touch: For authentic flavor, use ghee instead of oil. The nutty aroma enhances the dish significantly.
- Time-Saving Tip: Prepare and chop all vegetables in advance and store in the refrigerator to make cooking quicker.
- One-Pot Meal: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup.