Discover three simple and delicious Indian recipes that made life easier for me as a student in Canada. Perfect for busy students looking for quick, flavorful meals.

Introduction

As a student in Canada, managing time between classes, studies, and a part-time job was a juggling act. Cooking nutritious and delicious meals often felt like a daunting task. However, three Indian recipes made my life significantly easier. These recipes are not only simple and quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that remind me of home. Here, I’ll share these recipes and how they became my go-to meals during my student days.

1. Simple Dal Tadka

Why Dal Tadka?

Dal Tadka is a staple in Indian households, known for its simplicity and nutritional value. This dish is a great source of protein and is incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tbsp ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and cook them in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt until soft.
2. In a separate pan, heat the ghee and add cumin seeds.
3. Once the seeds splutter, add garlic and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
5. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they soften.
6. Add red chili powder and cook for another minute.
7. Pour this tempering over the cooked dal and mix well.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or roti.

Tips:

• Use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.
• Dal can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

2. Veg Pulao

Why Veg Pulao?

Veg Pulao is a versatile and nutritious dish that combines rice with a variety of vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick, balanced meal and is easy to make in one pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add garlic and cook for a minute.
5. Add the diced vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
6. Stir in the chopped tomato, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt.
7. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release oil.
8. Drain the rice and add it to the pot. Add 2 cups of water.
9. Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Tips:

• Use pre-cut vegetables to save time.
• A pressure cooker can further reduce cooking time.

Egg Bhurji

Why Egg Bhurji?

Egg Bhurji is an Indian-style scrambled egg dish that is quick to prepare and full of flavor. It's an excellent source of protein and can be enjoyed with bread or as a side dish with rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat the oil and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
2. Add the chopped onions and green chilies, sauté until onions are golden brown.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
4. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the pan. Stir continuously to scramble the eggs.
5. Cook until the eggs are fully cooked and mixed well with the spices.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with bread or rice.

Tips:

• Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice preference.
• Serve with toasted bread for a quick meal.

Conclusion

These three Indian recipes – Dal Tadka, Veg Pulao, and Egg Bhurji – made my life much easier as a student in Canada. They are quick to prepare, delicious, and offer a taste of home, making them perfect for busy student life. Try these recipes to enjoy flavorful, wholesome meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.