Lazy Weeknight

Indian Dinners

That Come Together In 20 Minutes

1. Paneer Bhurji

Paneer bhurji, a North Indian dish and Punjabi favourite, is made with crumbled paneer. A crumbly soft texture, flavoured with onions, tomatoes and green chillies, and some aromatic spices like garam masala, makes it tangy and savoury with every bite. It is commonly served with chapatti, paratha or pav, and can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Paneer is rich in protein and calcium, making it ideal for vegetarians. This meal is low-carb and is beneficial for repairing muscle and promoting bone health.

2. Egg Curry

Egg curry is a staple in Indian households and is anything but basic, with numerous regional variations. The East features mustard-rich curries, tomato‑potato gravies, and yoghurt sauces; the South loves its egg curries with coconut milk and roasted spices. The North packs more of a spicy punch, ranging from Mughlai flavours to fancier spice blends. This comforting dish of boiled eggs, whether fried or plain, simmered in rich gravy, is scrumptious. Eggs are a rich source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and egg curry is best paired with plain rice, jeera rice, or flatbreads like roti, parathas or naan. 

3. Vegetable Pulao

A more subdued cousin of biryani, pulao appears all over India as a light, fragrant rice dish cooked with seasonal vegetables and whole spices. It’s mildly spiced and subtle, with a natural sweetness from vegetables like peas, carrots, and beans. It is often served with a side of cucumber raita, pickle or papad. Vegetable pulao offers a balanced composition of carbs, fibre and vitamins and is perfect after a long, tiresome day. It is a one-pot rice dish that's light, aromatic, and customisable.

4. One-Pot Dalia (Broken Wheat Porridge)

A popular dish from North India, dalia is a broken wheat porridge often included in ayurvedic diets for its numerous health benefits. Dalia is an excellent dish to enjoy when seeking something light but satiating. It is nutty, slightly earthy, chewy and porridge-like in texture. It can be savoury, depending on the use of vegetables and spices, or sweet, due to the use of milk and jaggery. Perfect as a solo breakfast or light dinner, best paired with a bowl of curd on the side, it flatters this savoury version even more. Rich in fibre and complex carbohydrates, dalia can help manage hunger, stabilise your blood sugar and aid digestion.

5. Vegetable Wraps

Wraps are a universal concept, and Indian-style vegetable wraps with chapatis or parathas are now a street-food classic and a lunchbox standby. It’s a crunch of spicy vegetables in a soft or crunchy flatbread, accompanied usually by chutneys or sauces. When they are made with whole wheat roti and fresh vegetables, wraps are rich in fibre, low in fat, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It can also be served with a bowl of soup or salad for a hearty meal.

6. Besan Chilla

Besan chilla is a staple from North India, notably Rajasthan and UP. It is a gram flour pancake cooked in a savoury style. It has an earthy flavour, which is mildly spicy, crisp around the edges and soft in the middle, and is flavoured with onion, tomato, coriander and green chilli; served hot with mint or tamarind chutney. It can be eaten plain or rolled with paneer or vegetables to make it more nutritious. Made from chickpea flour, which is high in protein, gluten-free, and easy to digest, besan chilla also has a low glycaemic index that helps with blood sugar management.

7. Curd Rice

Curd rice, also known as thayir sadam in Tamil, is the bliss of South Indian comfort food. A must-have in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, curd rice is cool, creamy, and mildly sour, often tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sometimes ginger or green chillies. It is often devoured with pickle or papad but can also be served at the end of the meal to calm the digestive tract. Curd has probiotic properties that promote gut health, and rice gives quick energy. It is known for its cooling effect, hydrating, and promotes digestion, and is especially effective in hot climates.

8. Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage stir-fry, also known as patta gobi sabzi, is a minimal-effort side dish that can double as a main dish when paired with phulkas or parathas. It is a simple dish that is a mainstay in many homes in India. It's a light, mildly seasoned dish that is sometimes naturally sweet due to the inherent sweetness of the cabbage. If not overcooked, it can also have a nice crunch. Commonly served as a dry side dish with rice and dal, or as part of a thali. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre, and low in calories. It also makes it a perfect dinner for those lazy nights when you want to cook something quick.

Quick Fixes For Your Weeknights

Weeknights don’t have to lack taste. With these quick Indian recipes, cooking food on a lazy night will save you time while easing the burden of cooking. Whether it is a bowl of Dalia or paneer bhurji served with toast, both deliver comfort and satisfaction with little effort. Stocking your pantry with a few essentials ensures quick dinner options. Designed to be easy enough for beginners, these recipes are bound to be a hit. Next time, if you are tempted to skip cooking, remember that a wholesome, fuss-free Indian meal can be prepared within 20 minutes.