5 healthy lunchbox recipes by Masterchef India contestant Harish Closepet

Yes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and dinner is also not skipped by many people. It is the most neglected meal of the day for us – lunch. Since it falls right in the middle of the day, it is not only neglected but also considered a luxury that most people can only afford if they have the time. But many people do not understand that eating meals on time is very important. It is essential as it provides energy and nutrients for your body and brain to function effectively till noon. Although this is important, you should have a healthy lunch that not only gives you energy but also promotes overall health.

MasterChef India contestant Harish Closepet, fondly known as Harry and the man behind the Instagram page Harry’s Lunchbox, shares 10 healthy lunchbox recipes with health shots to make your lunch more interesting and healthy.

Healthy lunchbox recipes by Harish Closepet aka Harry of Masterchef India

Here are the chef’s 10 healthy yet delicious recipes you can try at home:

1. Poha Fusion Delight

A. Paneer Poha

Required:

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• 1/2 cup thick poha
• Oil (as needed)
• Small amount of urad dal
• Mustard (if needed)
• Turmeric 1/2 tsp
• Green chillies (to taste)
• grated ginger (to taste)
• Shredded carrots (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup shredded paneer
• 1/2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (adjust to taste)
• salt (to taste)
• A pinch of garam masala
• Chopped coriander (as required)
• Optional: Lemon juice (if needed)

Method:

1. Soak 1/2 cup thick poha in water for 7 minutes and then strain it.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add urad dal and mustard seeds. Let them spill.
3. Add 1/2 tsp turmeric, green chillies and grated ginger. Stir for one minute.
4. Add about 1 cup of carrot slices and saute until they soften, about 5 minutes.
5. Add 1/4th cup of shredded paneer and about 1/2 teaspoon of Kashmiri chili powder. Mix well.
6. Add the soaked poha, salt to taste and a pinch of garam masala.
7. Cover the pan and let it cook for 5 minutes.
8. Open the pan, add the chopped coriander and optionally, a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavour. Mix and serve.

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B. Tomato cashew chutney

• coriander seeds (to taste)
• Dry Chillies (to taste)
• Cashews (to taste)
• Sliced ​​onion (about 1 medium onion)
• diced tomatoes (about 2 medium-sized tomatoes)
• salt (to taste)
• 20 ml water (adjust as required)
• Chopped curry leaves for garnish (as required)

Method:

1. In a pan, roast coriander seeds, dry chillies and cashews until fragrant and lightly browned.
2. Add the sliced ​​onion and saute until it becomes translucent.
3. Add tomato slices and cook for about 3 minutes until they soften.
4. Add salt to taste and about 20 ml water. Mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth chutney consistency.
6. Garnish with chopped curry leaves.

Lunch Box Tip: Finish both dishes with cherry tomatoes for a balanced flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Lunchbox 2: A protein-packed meal box

A. High protein upma

Required:

• Soya flakes (200 grams)
• 1 liter of hot water
• Turmeric 1/2 tsp
• 1 tsp sambar powder
• Salt to taste
• chopped curry leaves (few)
• Grated ginger (1 tbsp)
• Oil (2 tbsp)
• Urad dal (1 tablespoon)
• Mustard (1/2 teaspoon)
• Toasted semolina (semolina) – 1 cup (about 150 ml)
• Chopped tomatoes (2 medium size)
• Chopped coriander for garnish

Method:

1. Start by soaking 200 grams of soya chunks in 1 liter of hot water.
2. Add 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp sambar powder, salt to taste, chopped curry leaves and 1 tbsp grated ginger in water.
3. In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp oil, add 1 tbsp urad dal and 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and prepare the masala.
4. Add 1 cup (about 150 ml) roasted semolina to the masala and mix well.
5. Pour in the boiling water with the soya pieces and close the lid for 7 to 10 minutes.
6. Next, open the lid and add 2 medium-sized chopped tomatoes.
7. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve.

B. Dry coconut chutney

Required:

• Dry coconut (1/2 cup)
• Onion (1 small)
• Chili (2)
• Salt to taste
• Lemon (juice of 1 lemon)

Method:

1. In a hand chopper, combine 1/2 cup desiccated coconut, 1 small onion, 2 green chilies, salt to taste and juice of 1 lemon.
2. Chop for 1 minute until you achieve a fine chutney consistency.

Also Read: Do you have whey protein as a pancake or curry? Try these recipes

C. Carrot Vinegar Salad

Required:

• Grated carrot (2 cups)
• Vinegar (2 tablespoons)
• Chopped coriander (few)
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Make a refreshing carrot vinegar salad by mixing 2 cups of grated carrots with 2 tablespoons of vinegar, some chopped cilantro, and salt to taste.
2. Mix well to enjoy this delicious and nutritious side dish.

Lunch Box Tip: Pair high protein upma with dry coconut chutney and carrot vinegar salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. Enjoy your protein-packed meal box!

Lunchbox 3: Italian Delight Lunchbox

A. Italian Pea Sandwich

Required:

• 1 cup cooked peas
• chopped green olives (to taste)
• Chopped black olives (to taste)
• chopped jalapenos (to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Italian dry spices (to taste)
• Bread crumbs (as needed)
• Oil (for toasting)
• Chopped chillies (as needed)

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl mash 1 cup of the cooked peas with a fork.
2. Add chopped green olives, black olives and jalapeños to your taste.
3. Season the mixture with salt and Italian dry spices, adjusting to your preference.
4. Mix well to form your sandwich filling.
5. Toast the bread slices with oil until lightly browned.
6. Spread the filling evenly over the bread slices.
7. Sprinkle some crushed pepper and close your sandwich.

B. Oregano Dip

Required:

• 1/2 cup curd
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Peri Peri (to your preference)
• A pinch of salt

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 teaspoon dry oregano, peri-peri to your preference and a pinch of salt.
2. Blend the mixture using a hand blender or beater until smooth and well mixed.

Lunch Box Tip: Complete your Italian Delights lunchbox with cherry tomatoes or some fresh fruit to complete your meal. Enjoy this Italian-inspired meal!

Lunchbox 4: Spice Delight Lunchbox

A. Peas Pepper Rice

Required:

• Rice (as required)
• 1 spoon of oil
• A pinch of salt
• Boiled peas (about 1 cup)
• Salt to taste
• Ground peppercorns (to taste)
• Coriander (to taste)

Method:

1. Cook required amount of rice in rice cooker with 1 spoon of oil, pinch of salt and 2 times water.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with about 1 cup of the cooked peas.
3. Season with salt to taste and add ground peppercorns and ground coriander to your liking.

B. Chilli Broccoli

Required:

• Crushed bayadgi mirchi (to taste)
• Oil (as required)
• Broccoli (if needed)
• Garlic paste (1 teaspoon)
• Water (1-2 tbsp)
• A pinch of salt
• Roasted peanuts (as required)

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add broken bayadgi chillies and fry for 30 seconds.
2. Add broccoli and saute for about 1 minute.
3. Mix 1 teaspoon of garlic paste with 1-2 tablespoons of water and add to the pan.
4. Season with a pinch of salt and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
5. Finally, add the roasted peanuts and toss for 30 seconds to complete the dish.

C. Tomato Crush

Required:

• Onions (as required)
• Chopped tomatoes (as required)
• Sambar powder (as per taste)
• Juice powder (to taste)
• Green chillies (to taste)
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. In a pan, fry the onions until translucent.
2. After 2 minutes add chopped tomatoes and mix well.
3. Crush the tomatoes gently to make them juicy.
4. Add sambar powder, rasam powder, green chillies and salt to taste and adjust to your preference.

Lunch Box Tip: Finish off your Spice Delight lunchbox with some cherry tomatoes for a refreshing touch. Share with your friends and enjoy your delicious meal!

Lunchbox 5: Italian Kiwi Fusion Lunchbox

A. Juicy Tomato Pasta

Required:

• Pick vegetables (if needed)
• 4 juicy tomatoes, chopped
• 50 ml of water
• Italian spices (1/2 teaspoon)
• Olives (as needed)
• Salt to taste
• Boiled Pasta (100g)

Method:

1. Start by warming up your chosen vegetables and set them aside.
2. In the same pan, add 4 chopped juicy tomatoes and pour 50 ml of water.
3. Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
4. Gently smash the tomatoes with your spatula and add the previously fried vegetables.
5. Add half a teaspoon of Italian spices and olives.
6. Mix everything with salt to taste.
7. Add 100 g of cooked pasta.
8. Mix well and serve.

B. Golden Kiwi Salad

Required:

• iceberg lettuce (if needed)
• Diced Golden Kiwi (as required)
• A pinch of salt
• Sprinkle with black chia seeds

Method:

1. Prepare a refreshing golden kiwi salad by shredding iceberg lettuce and mixing it with golden kiwi.
2. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black chia seeds.
3. Mix and serve this healthy and vibrant salad.

C.Ginger Garlic Herb Bread

Required:

• Regular bread slices (as needed)
• Oil drips
• Ginger garlic paste (to taste)
• Chillies (to taste)
• A pinch of salt

Method:

1. Cut regular bread slices into fingers.
2. Apply some oil on them, then add ginger garlic paste, chilli flakes and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix thoroughly by hand so that each portion is marinated.
4. Place them on the heated pan and let them sit for 5 minutes.
5. After a couple of minutes toss them a few times until they are done.
6. Enjoy your delicious bread fingers!

Lunch Box Tip: Pair your juicy tomato pasta with golden kiwi salad and ginger garlic herb bread for a delightful and unique lunchbox. Have fun!

Get out of the lunch rut and try these healthy lunchbox recipes! But don’t forget to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new recipes to your diet. Also, make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned in the article!