Best Veg Tiffin Recipes for Healthy and Tasty Meals

Updated On: October 5, 2025

When it comes to packing a wholesome, delicious, and satisfying tiffin, vegetarian recipes shine in their versatility and flavor. Whether you’re preparing meals for work, school, or a quick day trip, the best veg tiffin recipes combine nutrition with ease, ensuring you enjoy every bite without compromising on health.

These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their routine, featuring fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and simple cooking techniques that bring out the best in every ingredient.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of unbeatable veg tiffin recipes that are not only easy to make but also travel well and stay fresh until mealtime. From hearty vegetable pulao to crispy besan chilla and tangy tamarind rice, these recipes are crafted to offer a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition.

Get ready to transform your tiffin game with these vibrant, colorful, and utterly delicious vegetarian options!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These veg tiffin recipes are designed with convenience and flavor in mind. They’re quick to prepare, use easily available ingredients, and pack well for the day.

Whether you prefer rice-based dishes, savory pancakes, or spiced snacks, there’s something here that will appeal to your taste buds.

Healthy and wholesome: Loaded with vegetables and plant-based proteins, these recipes support a balanced diet.

Easy to customize: You can swap veggies or spices to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Great for leftovers: These dishes taste just as good the next day, making meal prep effortless.

Ingredients

Recipe Key Ingredients
Vegetable Pulao Basmati rice, mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas), green chilies, ginger, cumin seeds, bay leaf, garam masala
Besan Chilla (Savory Gram Flour Pancakes) Besan (gram flour), chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander leaves, turmeric, ajwain (carom seeds)
Tamarind Rice (Puliyodarai) Cooked rice, tamarind paste, mustard seeds, curry leaves, peanuts, red chili powder, jaggery

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid (for rice)
  • Non-stick frying pan or skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Blender or mortar & pestle (optional, for tamarind paste)

Instructions

Vegetable Pulao

  1. Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and a bay leaf; sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon grated ginger and 2 chopped green chilies; sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Add 1 cup mixed chopped vegetables (carrots, beans, peas) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
  5. Add the soaked rice and 2 cups water, along with 1 teaspoon garam masala and salt to taste.
  6. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
  7. Turn off heat, let it rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.

Besan Chilla

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup besan (gram flour), 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon ajwain, and salt to taste.
  2. Add finely chopped onions (1/2 cup), tomatoes (1/2 cup), green chilies (1-2, finely chopped), and a handful of chopped coriander leaves.
  3. Mix in water gradually to form a smooth batter, similar to pancake batter consistency.
  4. Heat a non-stick frying pan and grease lightly with oil.
  5. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread gently into a thin circle.
  6. Cook on medium heat until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side.
  7. Repeat for the remaining batter. Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.

Tamarind Rice (Puliyodarai)

  1. Cook 2 cups rice and let it cool completely to avoid sogginess.
  2. Make tamarind paste by soaking 2 tablespoons tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes, then straining.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan. Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; when they pop, add 10 curry leaves, 1/4 cup peanuts, and 2 dried red chilies.
  4. Add the tamarind paste, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon jaggery, and salt to taste. Cook until mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Mix the tamarind mixture well into the cooked rice. Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh coriander if desired.
  6. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or moong dal to your vegetable pulao. To keep besan chillas gluten-free and light, avoid over-mixing the batter.

You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach in your pulao.

Try adding grated coconut or mustard seeds to the tamarind rice for an authentic South Indian flavor.

For a richer taste, garnish your pulao with fried cashews or raisins.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein Carbohydrates Fat
Vegetable Pulao 280 kcal 6g 50g 5g
Besan Chilla (2 pieces) 220 kcal 10g 30g 4g
Tamarind Rice 300 kcal 5g 55g 6g

Serving Suggestions

These veg tiffin recipes pair beautifully with simple sides and accompaniments:

  • Fresh cucumber raita or plain yogurt to cool the palate
  • Mint or coriander chutney for an extra burst of flavor
  • Pickled vegetables or a tangy salad for contrasting textures
  • Steamed or roasted papadums for added crunch

For more delicious vegetarian recipes, check out our Kale Tonic First Watch Recipe and Leek Recipes Indian. If you want to explore some innovative dough based snacks, our Magic Dough Recipe might spark your interest!

Conclusion

Veg tiffin recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy nutritious, flavorful meals that are easy to prepare and carry with you. By incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and simple cooking methods, these dishes not only satisfy your hunger but also keep your energy levels high throughout the day.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who loves packing homemade meals, these recipes will become your go-to favorites for a fulfilling tiffin experience.

Experiment with different combinations, tweak the spices to your liking, and don’t hesitate to add your personal touch. Happy cooking and enjoy the vibrant tastes of these vegetarian delights!

đź“– Recipe Card: Best Veg Tiffin Recipes

Description: A collection of quick and delicious vegetarian tiffin recipes perfect for breakfast or snacks. These recipes are easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup semolina (rava)
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, finely chopped)
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp urad dal
  • 1 tsp chana dal
  • 10 curry leaves
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and curry leaves.
  2. Once they splutter, add green chili and grated ginger; sauté for a minute.
  3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until slightly tender.
  4. Pour water and bring it to a boil.
  5. Slowly add semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  6. Cook for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  7. Turn off the heat and mix in yogurt and salt.
  8. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Serve warm with coconut chutney or pickle.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 40 g

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Marta K

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