If you’re focused on weight loss or just want a light dinner, these 7 low-calorie Indian dinner recipes are the perfect choice! Easy to make and delicious, they will keep you full without compromising on taste.
Looking for more healthy options? Check out our High-Protein Tofu Bhurji for Vegetarians for a nutritious meal.
🥦 1. Spinach Soup with Paneer Cubes
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 cups spinach (palak)
- 1 cup paneer cubes
- Ginger, garlic, onion
- Salt, pepper, cumin powder
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Boil spinach with garlic and onion, then blend into a smooth puree.
- Sauté paneer cubes in a pan with cumin powder and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the spinach puree into the pan and cook for 5 mins.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Why it’s healthy: Spinach is rich in iron, and paneer adds a protein boost.
🥗 2. Grilled Tandoori Veggies with Curd Dip
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms)
- 2 tbsp yogurt (curd)
- 1 tbsp tandoori masala
- Salt, pepper, olive oil
Instructions:
- Coat veggies with yogurt, tandoori masala, and spices.
- Grill for 15–20 minutes until slightly charred.
- Serve with a refreshing yogurt dip.
Why it’s healthy: Low-calorie veggies, high in fiber and vitamins.
🥘 3. Moong Dal Khichdi
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup moong dal
- ½ cup rice
- Cumin, mustard seeds, curry leaves
- Ghee, turmeric, ginger, salt
Instructions:
- Pressure cook moong dal and rice with water, turmeric, and salt.
- Temper cumin, mustard seeds, and curry leaves in ghee.
- Add this tempering to the khichdi and stir well.
Why it’s healthy: Moong dal is easy to digest and packed with protein.
🍠 4. Stuffed Lauki (Bottle Gourd)
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 medium lauki (bottle gourd)
- ½ cup chickpea flour (besan)
- Spices like turmeric, garam masala, chili powder
Instructions:
- Hollow out the bottle gourd and stuff with a mixture of besan and spices.
- Cook the stuffed lauki in a pressure cooker with minimal water.
- Serve hot with roti or rice.
Why it’s healthy: Low in calories and rich in fiber.
🥙 5. Quinoa Upma
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- Mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans)
- Mustard seeds, urad dal
- Salt, pepper, curry leaves
Instructions:
- Roast quinoa lightly, then cook it in water.
- Temper mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves in a pan.
- Add vegetables, cooked quinoa, salt, and mix well.
Why it’s healthy: Quinoa is a high-protein, gluten-free alternative to rice.
🍛 6. Masoor Dal with Steamed Veggies
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup masoor dal
- Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas)
- Cumin, coriander powder, turmeric
- Salt, lemon juice
Instructions:
- Cook dal with water and spices.
- Steam the vegetables and add to the dal.
- Garnish with lemon juice.
Why it’s healthy: Masoor dal is high in fiber and helps keep you full longer.
🍽️ 7. Cucumber Raita + 2 Multigrain Rotis
Prep Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber (grated)
- 1 cup yogurt
- Roasted cumin powder, black salt
- 2 multigrain rotis
Instructions:
- Mix grated cucumber with yogurt, add spices, and chill for a few minutes.
- Serve with multigrain rotis.
Why it’s healthy: Low in calories, and the yogurt provides probiotics for gut health.
Final Thoughts:
These 7 low-calorie Indian dinner recipes are perfect for maintaining a healthy weight while enjoying your meals. They are packed with nutrition and flavor!
For more healthy dinner ideas, visit our Maharashtrian Recipes.
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