In today’s fast-paced world, preparing nutritious meals with minimal ingredients is a boon. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, it’s heartening to know that Indian cuisine offers a plethora of dishes that are both simple and flavorful. This guide presents easy-to-make, five-ingredient plant-based recipes tailored for Indian households.

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Why Choose 5-Ingredient Plant-Based Meals?

• Simplicity: Fewer ingredients mean quicker preparation and less complexity.
• Cost-Effective: Using staple ingredients reduces grocery expenses.Insanely Good Recipes
• Health Benefits: Plant-based diets are rich in nutrients and can aid in weight management.
• Environmental Impact: Reducing meat consumption lowers carbon footprint.

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Essential Ingredients for Your Pantry

To create these meals, stock up on:

• Lentils and Pulses: Masoor dal, moong dal, chana dal.The Times of India
• Whole Grains: Rice, quinoa, millets.
• Spices: Turmeric, cumin, coriander, mustard seeds.
• Vegetables: Onions, tomatoes, spinach, potatoes.
• Plant-Based Oils: Mustard oil, coconut oil.

Also Read Soul-Soothing Comfort Food Recipes – Plant-Based Indian Edition

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5-Ingredient Plant-Based Recipes

1. Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Curry)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup masoor dal
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, choppedInsanely Good Recipes
• 1 tsp turmericSimply Recipes
• Salt to tasteThe Times of India

Method:

1. Rinse the dal thoroughly.anyreasonvegans.com
2. In a pot, combine dal, onion, tomato, turmeric, and salt with water.
3. Cook until the dal is soft.
4. Serve hot with rice or roti.

2. Aloo Jeera (Cumin Potatoes)

Ingredients:

• 2 potatoes, dicedVegan Recipes that SPARKLE!
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
2. Add green chili and sauté.
3. Add diced potatoes and salt.
4. Cook until potatoes are tender.
5. Serve with chapati or as a side dish.

3. Chana Salad (Chickpea Salad)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup boiled chickpeas
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1 tomato, choppedForks Over Knives
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, and tomato.
2. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well and serve chilled.Allrecipes

4. Vegetable Upma

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Dry roast semolina until golden and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds.
3. Add onion and carrot; sauté until soft.
4. Add semolina and water; cook until thick.
5. Serve hot.

5. Spinach Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, choppedVegan Recipes that SPARKLE!
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to tasteThe Times of India

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan; add cumin seeds.
2. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Add cooked rice and salt; mix well.
5. Serve warm.

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Tips for Success

• Prep Ahead: Boil lentils and store them for quick meal assembly.
• Use Seasonal Vegetables: They are fresher and more affordable.
• Spice It Up: Adjust spices to suit your taste preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Embracing a plant-based diet doesn’t mean compromising on taste or variety. With just five ingredients, you can create wholesome and delicious meals that cater to your health and palate. Start with these recipes and explore the rich tapestry of Indian plant-based cooking.