Here’s a simple and delicious vegetarian lunch option that you can easily make in Uttar Pradesh, a state in northern India:
Dal Fry: Start by cooking a flavorful dal fry, a lentil curry. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown. Then add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and your choice of lentils (such as yellow moong dal or masoor dal). Cook until the lentils are tender. Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Jeera Rice: Prepare jeera rice, a fragrant cumin-flavored rice dish. Wash and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes. In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil, add cumin seeds, and let them sizzle. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan, stirring gently to coat the grains with the cumin-infused oil. Add water in a 1:2 ratio (rice to water) and cook until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Vegetable Curry: Prepare a simple vegetable curry to accompany the dal and rice. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Then add your choice of mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt for flavor. Stir well and let it simmer until the flavors meld together.
Roti/Chapati: Prepare fresh rotis or chapatis, whole wheat flatbreads, to serve with your meal. Knead the dough using whole wheat flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin, circular discs. Cook each disc on a hot griddle until it puffs up and develops brown spots.
Raita: To complement your meal, prepare a refreshing raita. Whisk yogurt until smooth, then add finely chopped cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. Mix well and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve the dal fry, jeera rice, vegetable curry, rotis, and raita together to create a satisfying and nutritious vegetarian lunch.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can customize the dishes based on your preferences and the ingredients available to you. Enjoy your meal!
