This easy Indian meal includes Palak Dal - Spinach Lentil Soup; Matar Paneer; Aloo Shimla Mirch ; Cucumber Raita; Avocado Chapati; Steamed Rice and Vegetable salad. The indian thali presented here consist of easy everyday recipes that take 30-40 minutes to cook and if you make multiple dishes in parallel, then whole spread can be cooked in less than 90 minutes. This everyday Indian family meal comprises of protein, vegetables & fruits, dairy and carbs. A combination of all these components make a healthy and balanced vegetarian meal for the whole family.
In this meal plan, I have tried to add the food-based protein through lentil and green peas. Dairy protein has been added via cottage cheese and yogurt. Vitamins and minerals though spinach, green bell peppers, peas, cucumber and other vegetables in salad. Good fats through avocado and for carbs I have used rice and whole wheat flour. The recipes included in this family meal plan are:
- Palak Dal - Spinach Lentil Soup
- Matar Paneer - Light Everyday Recipe
- Aloo Shimla Mirch - Bell Pepper Potatoes Stir-Fry
- Cucumber Raita - Greek Yogurt with Cucumber
- Avocado Chapati
- Steamed Rice
- Vegetable salad
For vegetable salad, I have simply sliced election of vegetables and sprinkled some salt and lemon juice.
Final note
This meal plan is also good to share with family friends for a casual dinner night. Hope you and you family likes it.
Jas says
Dear Rupali, Admire your passion for cooking and your creativity. However, I find Indian cooking too cumbersome and plus my kids just want to keep eating the same things over and over which makes me loose interest in trying out new things. Any suggestions on how you manage making new dishes everyday with just busy lifestyle in US.
Rupali Agarwal says
Thank you Jas for the appreciation, your words means a lot to me. With regards to cooking I divide my week for different activities and depending upon the schedule choose my cooking days and do bulk cooking so that I don’t end up in kitchen every day more than what I need.
Susan Stringer says
These recipes are absolutely delicious! Rupali cooked these for a group of my friend’s and showed us how to prepare the dishes. What an absolutely wonderful time we all had! Everything was delicious!!
Rupali Agarwal says
Susan, loved telling everyone about my first home country food to people of my second home country.
Monique Sparks says
I can't wait to make this meal! After going to your demonstration and tasting these recipes I have one word- Yum! I loved learning the tidbits of Indian culture and look forward to more of your delicious recipes.
Rupali Agarwal says
I am so glad that you enjoyed the class and loved the food, Monique. Would be happy to see your creation of spinach-lentil soup from the spice box you got.
Have a wonderful day ahead!
Rupali