Easy to Cook Indian Dishes for Busy Bachelors

Making a meal from scratch can be daunting, especially when you're a busy bachelor living alone in India. With a little bit of creativity and some simple recipes, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without breaking a sweat. In this guide, we'll explore some quick and easy-to-cook dishes that are perfect for Indian bachelors. Whether you're on a tight budget or want to avoid spending hours in the kitchen, these recipes will make mealtime a breeze.

1. Vegetable Khichdi

Ingredients:

1 cup rice 1/2 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils) Peas, carrots, beans (1 cup mixed) A pinch of turmeric and salt Ghee or oil as needed

Instructions:

Rinse the rice and dal together. Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker and sauté the vegetables, turmeric, and salt until well blended. Add the rice and dal, mixing well with the vegetables. Add about 3-4 cups of water. Cook for 2-3 whistles and let it stay closed for another 5 minutes before releasing the steam.

Vegetable khichdi is a nourishing and versatile dish that can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for easy reheating throughout the week.

2. Egg Bhurji (Scrambled Eggs)

Ingredients:

2-3 eggs 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 medium tomato, finely chopped Green chilies, finely chopped Salt and spices (turmeric, garam masala) Oil for cooking

Instructions:

Heat oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onions until golden brown. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies, cooking till they soften. Beat the eggs and pour them into the pan. Stir until they are fully cooked. Adjust seasoning with salt and spices.

Egg bhurji is a versatile dish that can be served as a quick breakfast or a snack. It can be enjoyed straight and is a great source of protein.

3. Aloo Paratha (Potato Flatbread)

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour 2-3 boiled and mashed potatoes Fine onions and green chilies, finely chopped Spices (cumin, coriander, salt) Ghee or oil for cooking

Instructions:

Boil and mash the potatoes, then mix them with chopped onions, chilies, and spices. Create a dough with flour and water. Knead well and rest for 10-15 minutes. Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into circles. Fill with the potato mixture and roll again to create a paratha. Cook the paratha on a hot tawa with ghee or oil until golden brown.

Aloo paratha is a hearty and fulfilling meal that can be enjoyed with a variety of chutneys or sauces.

4. Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

Canned chickpeas 1 onion, finely chopped 1 cucumber, finely chopped 1 tomato, finely chopped Lemon juice Spices (salt, pepper, chaat masala)

Instructions:

Chop the chickpeas and vegetables. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add lemon juice and spices. Serve chilled for a refreshing meal.

Chickpea salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great light and refreshing dish.

5. Pasta with Indian Spices

Ingredients:

Pasta (according to package instructions) 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 medium tomato, pureed Green chilies, finely chopped Indian spices (cumin, coriander, chili powder)

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions. In a pan, sauté the chopped onions until golden brown. Add the tomato puree and Indian spices, cooking until the sauce is soft. Mix cooked pasta into the sauce and serve.

Pasta with Indian spices is a quick and easy one-pot meal that tastes like home.

6. Curd Rice

Ingredients:

Cooked rice 1/2 cup curd (yogurt) Mustard seeds Curry leaves Salt to taste

Instructions:

Mix cooked rice with curd and salt. In a small pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves, and pour this mixture over the rice.

Curd rice is a simple and comforting dish that can be had for breakfast or a light lunch.

Tips for Cooking

Here are some additional tips to make your cooking experience faster and easier:

Meal Prep: Cook in larger batches and store in the fridge for easy reheating. Spices: Keep a basic spice kit with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala for flavoring. One-Pot Meals: Focus on one-pot recipes to save time on washing dishes.

These dishes are not only easy to cook but also nutritious and filling. Now, you can easily manage your meals without sacrificing taste and health!