Boiled Veg Recipes Indian Style for Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Boiled vegetable recipes hold a special place in Indian cuisine, celebrated for their simplicity, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a light, healthy side dish or a base for a more elaborate meal, boiled veggies can be transformed with traditional Indian spices and herbs to bring out vibrant flavors.

These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From tender carrots and beans to hearty potatoes and cauliflower, boiling is a gentle cooking method that retains the vegetables’ natural essence and nutrients.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some classic and flavorful Indian boiled vegetable recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to delight your taste buds.

Indian boiled veg recipes not only cater to vegetarians but also to anyone who appreciates healthy, fuss-free cooking. By adding simple tempering and spices, you can elevate the humble boiled vegetable into a delightful dish.

Let’s dive into the magic of Indian spices combined with fresh veggies that will make your meals colorful, tasty, and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These boiled vegetable recipes are not only straightforward but also incredibly adaptable to your preferences. You can mix and match any seasonal vegetables, making it a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy fresh produce.

The cooking method preserves nutrients and flavors while keeping the dish light and healthy.

Aside from being nutritious, these recipes are quick to make, perfect for those who want to eat clean without compromising on taste. The addition of Indian spices brings warmth and depth, turning simple boiled veggies into a comforting and satisfying dish.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, these recipes are easy to master and fun to customize.

Ingredients

  • Mixed vegetables: carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, cauliflower (about 4 cups chopped)
  • Water: 3-4 cups for boiling
  • Salt: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
  • Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
  • Green chilies: 1-2, finely chopped (optional)
  • Fresh ginger: 1 inch piece, grated
  • Asafoetida (hing): a pinch
  • Fresh coriander leaves: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp (optional)
  • Oil or ghee: 2 tbsp for tempering
  • Chaat masala or roasted cumin powder: 1/2 tsp (optional for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large pot or pressure cooker for boiling vegetables
  • Colander or strainer to drain water
  • Frying pan or small kadai for tempering spices
  • Knife and chopping board for vegetables
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Serving bowl

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Peel and chop the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Trim the beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Break the cauliflower into small florets. Keep peas ready.
  2. Boil the vegetables: In a large pot, add the chopped vegetables along with turmeric powder and salt. Pour enough water to cover the veggies, about 3-4 cups. Bring to a boil and cook until the vegetables are tender but not mushy, usually 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, use a pressure cooker and cook for 1-2 whistles.
  3. Drain and set aside: Once cooked, drain the water and keep the boiled vegetables in a bowl.
  4. Prepare the tempering (tadka): Heat oil or ghee in a frying pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and wait until they start to pop. Then add cumin seeds, chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  5. Combine and season: Pour this tempering over the boiled vegetables. Mix gently to coat the veggies with spices.
  6. Finish with fresh herbs and lemon: Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves and squeeze lemon juice over the vegetables. Toss gently.
  7. Optional garnish: Sprinkle some chaat masala or roasted cumin powder for an extra flavor boost.
  8. Serve warm: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy as a side dish or light meal.

Tips & Variations

For a more robust flavor, try adding a pinch of garam masala or a few curry leaves to the tempering step.

You can substitute or add other vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or spinach depending on what’s available.

For a richer taste, use ghee instead of oil for tempering.

Boiling vegetables just right is key — overcooking can make them mushy, while undercooking leaves them too firm.

Feel free to experiment by adding roasted peanuts or grated coconut for added texture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 90 kcal
Carbohydrates 18 g
Protein 3 g
Fat 4 g (from oil/ghee)
Fiber 5 g
Vitamin A 40% of daily value
Vitamin C 35% of daily value
Iron 10% of daily value

Serving Suggestions

Boiled Indian vegetables make a fantastic side dish for a variety of meals. Pair them with warm rotis or naan for a wholesome vegetarian meal.

They also work beautifully alongside rice dishes like jeera rice or pulao.

For a full Indian thali experience, serve with dal (lentils) and a cooling raita. If you want to add some protein, boiled veggies go well with paneer dishes or even grilled chicken for a balanced plate.

Looking for other delicious recipes to complement your boiled veggies? Check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy pasta side or indulge your sweet tooth later with the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

For a refreshing twist, try the Chicken Bruschetta Recipe Stove Top Stuffing as a starter or light meal.

Conclusion

Boiled vegetable recipes in Indian cuisine are a testament to how simplicity can create incredible flavors. By combining fresh, wholesome ingredients with aromatic spices, these dishes become more than just healthy—they turn into comforting, vibrant meals perfect for any day of the week.

Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned home chef, these recipes offer a great way to enjoy nutritious veggies without the fuss.

With endless variations and easy customization, boiled Indian vegetables can be your go-to dish to boost your daily nutrition while treating your palate to exciting tastes. So next time you want a quick, delicious, and healthy meal, remember these recipes and savor the wholesome goodness the Indian kitchen has to offer.

📖 Recipe Card: Boiled Veg Indian Style

Description: A simple and healthy Indian boiled vegetable recipe seasoned with basic spices. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, cauliflower)
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.
  3. Add chopped green chili and sauté for 30 seconds.
  4. Add turmeric powder and mixed vegetables along with diced potato.
  5. Add salt and 1/2 cup water, cover and boil until vegetables are tender (about 15 minutes).
  6. Sprinkle garam masala and mix gently.
  7. Turn off heat and add lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves.
  8. Serve warm as a side dish or light meal.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Marta K

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