Sick of the last-minute lunchtime rushes and boring office meals? If you want to enjoy the goodness of homemade healthy Indian food at work with no hassle, you are at the right place!
Let’s start with the basics. Saving time and eating well goes hand in hand when it comes to meal prepping. Furthermore, meal prepping also saves money and in today’s world, who doesn’t appreciate that? When it comes to vegetarian Indian lunches the options are limitless.
To keep you excited throughout the week, today this blog is sharing a few simple and delicious meals that you can prep easily and take to the office.
Why Should You Meal Prep?
Let’s be real, mornings are everything but calm. With trying to not sleep in too much, and trying get out the door on time, who is taking the time to prepare lunch? Well that’s where weekly meal prep comes into play.
- Saves time: One cooking session for the entire week. Simple as that.
- Healthier choices: No greasier canteen food.
- Budget friendly: Get rid of expensive takeout.
- Balanced meals on time: No overeating, just the right amount.
Well that wouldn’t be fun, now would it?
Meal Prep Fundamentals – Getting Started
- Select The Most Ideal Containers – Best containers are airtight, microwaveable and divided boxes.
- Achieve Balanced Meal – Carbs + protein + veggies + healthy fats = Balanced lunch.
- Prep In Batches – Grains, lentils, and curries are best cooked in large quantities.
- Maintain Freshness – To prevent raita and salads from becoming soggy, store them separately.
- Freeze If Necessary – Some dishes like parathas freeze well and can be saved for later.
Now we can get into the good stuff; the food!
Indian Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas for Your Office Lunch
The Classic Thali Combo (Because Variety is the Spice of Life!) A mini thali is balanced, delicious, and never boring. Here’s how to prep it:
- Main: Jeera rice / Quinoa pulao
- Protein: Dal tadka / Chana masala
- Veggies: Aloo gobi / Bhindi sabzi
- Side: Cucumber raita / Pickle
- Extras: Roti (store in foil) + a small sweet (like dates)
Pro Tip: For dry subjis placed in a separate container, try to keep them dry and not too wet to prevent wet rotis.
One-Pot Wonders (Less Dishes, More Happiness!)
Quick, no hassle meals are everyone’s favorite. These one pot meals do not compromise on flavor and are super easy to carry:
- Khichdi (Moong dal + rice + veggies) – Comfort in a box!!
- Vegetable Pulao (With paneer or soya chunks for protein)
- Methi Thepla (Gujarati flatbreads served with dahi)
Twisted Indian Salad Jars (Say Goodbye to Boring Salads!)
For those seeking Indian office lunch suggestions – a meal that is both filling and light, look at these layered salad jars:
- The Bottom Layer: Quinoa / Brown rice
- Protein Booster: Sprouted moong / Boiled chana
- Veggies: Cucumber, carrots, beetroot
- Dressing: Lemon-tahini / Mint chutney
The best part? You can enjoy them at room temperature. Tasty, fresh, and so much fun!
Stuffed Parathas & Dips (Best On-The-Go Meal!)
Parathas are delicious, nutritious, and can last for days. Go ahead and pair a dip with them:
- Aloo paratha + Mint yogurt
- Paneer paratha + Green chutney
- Gobi paratha + Pickle
Pro Tip: For a just-made feeling, warm them in the office microwave.
And that’s a wrap!
Making weekly meal prep advance doesn’t need to be dull or tedious. With Indian office lunch ideas, you will look forward to every single lunch! What’s your favorite lunch to bring to work? Share in the comments!