Don't Know What to Cook? Try These 7 Quick Meal Ideas

Some days, deciding what to cook feels harder than actually making the meal. When you want something quick, filling and familiar, a few simple ingredients can go a long way. From a comforting bowl of khichdi to a quick vegetable sandwich, these easy meal ideas can help you put together something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

1. Vegetable Poha

Poha is a simple option when you want a light yet satisfying meal. Rinse flattened rice and let it soften for a few minutes. Heat a little oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilli and chopped onion, then add vegetables such as peas, carrots or capsicum.

Add the softened poha, salt and a little turmeric. Mix gently and cook for a few minutes. Finish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon. You can also add roasted peanuts for some crunch.

2. Masala Egg Toast

Eggs can turn a few slices of bread into a quick meal. Beat two eggs with chopped onion, tomato, green chilli, coriander, salt and a pinch of spices.

Heat a pan and pour in the egg mixture. Place a slice of bread over it and cook until the egg sets. Flip carefully and cook the other side. Serve hot with chutney or a simple salad.

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the egg mixture with a spiced paneer or vegetable filling.

3. Quick Vegetable Khichdi

When you want something comforting with minimal preparation, khichdi is an easy choice. Combine rice and dal with chopped vegetables such as carrots, peas and beans.

Cook them together with turmeric, salt and enough water until soft. A simple tempering of cumin seeds, ginger and a little asafoetida can add plenty of flavour.

Serve it with curd, pickle or a spoonful of ghee for a wholesome meal.

4. Roti Roll

Leftover rotis can easily become a quick lunch or dinner. Heat a roti and spread it with green chutney or a little yoghurt-based dressing.

Add a filling of sautéed vegetables, paneer, cooked chicken or leftover dry sabzi. Sprinkle some chaat masala if you like a tangy flavour. Roll it tightly and serve.

This is also a useful way to turn leftover food into a completely different meal.

5. Masala Vegetable Sandwich

A sandwich does not have to be boring. Mash boiled potato with finely chopped onion, tomato, coriander and spices such as cumin powder and chilli powder.

Spread the mixture between bread slices and toast on a pan with a little butter or oil. Add cucumber, tomato or grated cheese if you have them available.

It can be served with chutney, ketchup or a bowl of curd.

6. Besan Chilla

Besan chilla needs only a few basic ingredients and cooks quickly. Make a smooth batter with gram flour, water, salt and spices. Add chopped onion, tomato, coriander and green chilli.

Pour the batter onto a hot pan and spread it into a thin circle. Cook both sides until lightly crisp and golden.

Serve it with mint chutney or curd. You can also add grated vegetables to make the chilla more filling.

7. One-Pan Vegetable Rice

If you have leftover cooked rice, you can turn it into a quick meal. Heat a pan with a little oil and sauté onion, garlic and chopped vegetables.

Add the cooked rice along with salt, pepper and your preferred spices. Mix everything well and cook for a few minutes. A little soy sauce can be added for an Indo-Chinese-style flavour.

For extra protein, add paneer, cooked egg or boiled chickpeas.

Simple Meals Can Save the Day

You do not always need an elaborate recipe to make a satisfying meal. Basic ingredients such as rice, dal, poha, roti, bread, eggs, vegetables and gram flour can be combined in several ways.

The next time you are standing in the kitchen wondering what to cook, pick one of these quick ideas based on what you already have. With a little creativity, leftovers and everyday ingredients can become a fresh meal without much effort.