In India, everyday meals are an integral part of the food culture. Three wholesome, elaborate thali meals a day is the food ritual that we usually follow in our routine life. Our 30 Day Calendar of Indian Meals and recipes shows you how to cook more and enjoy family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously.
This food series is a glimpse of our everyday meals, inspired by the local produce, the seasonal mood, and the routine cravings. There are days when we as a family like to indulge in an elaborate Indian Thali Meal.
Whereas during busy weekdays, we have to be satisfied with a simple dal or a curry with basmati rice. These 30 Everyday Indian Meals are packed with nutrient-rich foods, including whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
What is the Indian Thali?
Indian Thali is a platter meal packed with a variety of lentil curry, vegetable stews, egg or meat curries, stir-fry, side-dishes, pickles, chutney, rice, and bread. This seems like a lot of food but each dish on an Indian thali has a meaningful purpose and adds to a balanced diet.
How To Plan For Everyday Indian Meals?
From sorting the menu planning, grocery shopping, meal prep and then finally cooking there is a lot of outlining work involved behind each meal. If you are a novice cook like when I started, follow my simple 6 Meal Prep Ideas for Indian Kitchen to help you plan everyday Indian meals like a pro.
30 Everyday Indian Meals:
Punjabi Rajma Masala, Sooji Halwa, Steamed Rice, Salad, Papad
Dalia Upma, Pahadi Jeera Aloo, Boondi Raita, Salad, Mini Papad
Kadhai Paneer, Naan, Paneer Gulab Jamun, Sliced Onion
Aloo Methi Paratha, Boondi Raita, Butter, Lal Mirch Ka Achaar
Shahi Urad Dal, Lauki Kofta Curry, Onion Raita, Chapati
Chana Masala, Kulcha, Boondi Raita, Mirch Ka Achaar
Arhar Dal Fry, Matar Mushroom Masala, Boondi Raita, Chapati, Paneer Kheer
Boondi Kadhi, Chana Dal Lauki, Bhindi Masala, Carrot Salad, Methi Paratha, Chapati, Steamed Rice
Arhar Dal Fry, Aloo Gobi, Dahi Bhalla Chaat, Chicken Masala, Besan Bhindi Fry, Rasmalai
Dal Makhani, Kadhai Chicken, Rice Phirni, Spring Onion Raita, Lachha Paratha, Papad, Salad
Brown Chana Curry, Radish Greens Sabzi, Salad, Steamed Rice, Papad
Sabut Masoor Dal, Chicken Curry, Matar Mushroom Masala, Peach Raita, Rice Kheer, Instant Ginger Pickle, Steamed Rice, Chapati, Green Chutney
Mix Veg Sambar, Paneer Makhani, Aloo Beans Sabzi, Dahi Tadka, Steamed Rice, Chapati, Papad
Punjabi Kadhi Pakora, Suji Halwa, Sliced Onion, Steamed Rice, Papad
Pahadi Aloo Ki Sabzi, Pakodi Ki Sabzi, Curd, Masala Cheese Puri, Nuts
Chana Masala, Instant Paniyaram, Lauki Sabzi, Stamed Rice, Chapati, Papad
Lehsuni Dal Tadka, Bhagara Baingan, Carrot Kheer, Palak Paratha, Masala Raita, Mini Papad
Palak Paneer, Sookhi Urad Dal, Boondi Raita, Tomato Chutney, Phulka, Fryums
Lobia Masala, Lauki Sabzi, Carrot Raita, Steamed Rice, Chapati, Mini Papad
Dahi Lauki, Baigan Bharta, Jamun Yogurt, Chapati
Chilli Paneer, Jeera Turai, Carrot Raita, Dal Khichdi, Achari Baingan, Phulka
Lauki Kofta Curry, Steamed Rice, Green Chili Pickle
Sabut Masoor Dal, Punjabi Arbi Masala, Steamed Rice, Chapati, Papad
Punjabi Soya Chaap Masala, Dal Makhani, Dahi Bhalla, Bedmi Poori
For more such fun recipes in your life subscribe to our weekly newsletter or to our Youtube Channel.
If you try this recipe and love it, please leave a comment and a rating. This helps us grow and reach many other food lovers like you, who are looking for a perfect tried and tested recipe.
32 comments
wonderful, so much efforts! i always feel so proud of knowing such people who are so passionate about whatever they pick.. kudos girl!
nice.food
Amazing compilation!
Hina, I really love this series a lot. Nothing overdone simple and elegant. The curries are all minimal effort ones and light on the tummy. Please keep it coming.
Absolutely loved your effort. Your presentation is super. Thank you so much for highlighting our rich food culture.
Thank you Sweta for the kind words.
Love this series. Bookmarked it for inspiration on weekdays (and weekends) 🙂
Thank you Swapna. I am so glad you liked it.
Possibly the best indian food list and recipes!
Totally in love with your writing skills. Just amazing. I am wondering that how much effort you can add in your every article. Thank you so much for sharing.
Looking good. I always amazes with Indian recipes & style of cooking. Article is just amazing.
This page doesnt work. Can you please fix it…I want to challenge myself to cook for straight 30 days the meals you made.
thanks!
Kindly check once again the page is working 🙂 Thank you
Wow amazing. Thank you, Hina
Glad you liked them and find useful. Love, Hina
Where can I get all these 31 recipes?
It looks like a blast!
It looks like a blast! Can’t wait to see the next list.
Some of the most beautiful Indian food photography I have ever seen!
No doubt, food is incredible, as well.
Thank you so much. You made my day!
It is looks traditional. Thanks you so mush for this post.
Thanks a million 🙂
Hina, found this post through Pinterest. This is such a visual Treat. I am sure even the picky eaters would be tempted to try the food when so well presented. Looks Super fresh and YUM!
Hello Richa,
I am so thrilled that you like these menu ideas and find them useful.
Absolutely loved your effort. Your presentation is super. simply awesome recipe. Thanks for sharing this.
Always good to hear positive feedback. Thank you so much!
Absolutely loved your effort. Your presentation is super. Thank you so much for highlighting our rich food culture.
What pretty combinations! Such luscious photos. Amazingly delicious looking food!! I love Indian food but I am just a beginner. I live in Japan and we have some good Indian restaurants, mostly northern Indian cooking as you know. But there are some very good southern Indian restaurants starting to appear. I have been to India on the short trip and I loved loved loved everything I ate.
Can I ask a question? Are the foods pictured above in their bowls or on plates for a family of four? It looks like really a lot of food and couldn’t possibly be for one person, I believe. What is in your photos has to be more food than just one for one person, is that right?
Glad you like Indian food. The food served at most of the restaurants across Globe is far from authentic Indian cuisine. These images are of wholesome thali meals widely served across India. One can have it on their own or share with another person.
Thank you so much.
Wowwwwww what a variety of meals. I wil try these to my family😊
Yea these meals will definitely make your meal planning much easier.