5 Guilt-Free Indian Vegetarian Meals That Are High In Protein (Under 500 Calories)

Getting your protein while keeping the calorie count low is easy with Indian vegetarian cuisine! These five meals rely on powerhouse ingredients like lentils, legumes, and paneer to deliver high protein without the guilt.

5 High-Protein Indian Vegetarian Meals (Under 500 Calories)

High-Protein Moong Dal Cheela 

This is an excellent, quick breakfast or dinner option that’s naturally high in protein and fibre. Grind half a cup of soaked Moong Dal into a batter with ginger, green chilli, and a pinch of salt. Pour two thin crepes. Fill each with 50g of grated Paneer mixed with chopped coriander and mild spices. Serve with Pudina Chutney.

Low-Oil Palak Paneer With Jeera Rice

A favourite North Indian dish, made light by skipping the cream and controlling the portion of rice. Prepare a gravy with puréed spinach and minimal oil, seasoned with garlic and whole spices. Add 100g of Paneer cubes. Serve with half a cup of brown or plain white Jeera Rice and a small side salad.

Quick Vegetable And Chana Chaat

This refreshing, fibre-rich salad is naturally low in fat and packed with satisfying protein. Combine one cup of boiled Kala Chana with chopped cucumber, tomato, onion, and bell peppers. Dress with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and ½ tablespoon of roasted cumin powder. Add a spoonful of low-fat yoghurt for extra creaminess and protein.

Spiced Masoor Dal And Quinoa Bowl

A modern twist on the classic dal that swaps heavy rice for protein-rich quinoa. Cook half a cup of Masoor Dal with minimal tadka using a teaspoon of ghee/oil, hing, and garlic. Serve over half a cup of cooked Quinoa. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh cilantro.

Tofu/Paneer Bhurji Sandwich 

A comforting and filling meal that can be eaten anytime, swapping eggs for dairy or soy protein. Scramble 75g of crumbled Tofu or Paneer with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, turmeric, and capsicum using just a teaspoon of oil. Serve this Bhurji stuffed between two slices of whole wheat bread.

Image credits: Freepik

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