Easy Recipes for When You’re Short on Time

Some evenings you walk into the kitchen with a tired mind and a rumbling stomach. Cooking a full meal might feel impossible. But guess what? You do not have to give up on flavor or health. These easy recipes for when you’re short on time are not only simple to make but also comforting and tasty. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you will find something here that saves both time and effort.

When You Have Only 10 Minutes

There are days when even boiling rice feels like a task. On such days, Spiced Veggie Toast is your best friend.

Ingredients:

• Bread slices – 4

• Boiled potatoes – 2 medium

• Onion – 1 small (finely chopped)

• Green chili – 1 (finely chopped)

• Turmeric – ¼ tsp

• Salt – ½ tsp

• Butter or ghee – 1 tbsp

Preparation:
Mash the boiled potatoes. Add chopped onion, green chili, salt, and turmeric. Mix well. Spread this mix on one side of each bread slice. Heat a pan, spread a little butter, and toast the bread until golden on both sides. Serve hot with curd or a spoon of ketchup.

Need more such ideas? Check out quick recipes from Hebbars Kitchen for similar fast dishes.

One-Pot Wonders That Work Every Time

A one-pot meal not only saves time but also leaves you with fewer dishes to clean. Tomato Rice is quick, filling, and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Rice – 1 cup

• Water – 2 cups

• Tomatoes – 2 medium (chopped)

• Onion – 1 medium (sliced)

• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

• Curry leaves – 5 to 6

• Turmeric – ¼ tsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

• Oil – 1 tbsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

Preparation:
Heat oil in a pressure cooker or deep pan. Add mustard seeds, let them splutter. Toss in curry leaves, onions, and sauté until soft. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir for 2 minutes. Add rice and water. Season with salt. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes or one whistle in a pressure cooker. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Fast Breakfast That Feels Like a Treat

You want something warm in the morning but do not want to spend too much time. Try Besan Cheela, a savory pancake made in minutes.

Ingredients:

• Gram flour (besan) – 1 cup

• Water – ¾ cup

• Onion – 1 small (finely chopped)

• Tomato – 1 small (chopped)

• Green chili – 1 (chopped)

• Cumin – ½ tsp

• Salt – ½ tsp

• Oil – for cooking

Preparation:
In a bowl, mix besan, water, cumin, salt, chopped vegetables, and green chili to form a smooth batter. Heat a pan, pour a ladle of batter, and spread it gently. Drizzle a little oil around the edges. Cook on medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side. Serve hot with mint chutney or curd.

For variations and quick chutney ideas, you can visit Swasthi’s Recipes.

The 15-Minute Dinner Bowl

A quick dinner idea that feels hearty? Make a Masala Poha Bowl.

Ingredients:

• Flattened rice (poha) – 1 cup

• Water – ½ cup (for soaking)

• Onion – 1 small (chopped)

• Peanuts – 2 tbsp

• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

• Turmeric – ¼ tsp

• Salt – ¾ tsp

• Green chili – 1 (sliced)

• Lemon juice – 1 tsp

• Oil – 1 tbsp

Preparation:
Rinse poha in water and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften. In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds and peanuts. Once roasted, add onions and green chili. Sauté till onions turn soft. Add turmeric and salt. Toss in the poha, stir well, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Finish with lemon juice and serve hot.

When You Want Something Sweet and Quick

Craving dessert? Make Instant Suji Halwa in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Semolina (suji) – ½ cup

• Sugar – ⅓ cup

• Water – 1½ cups

• Ghee – 2 tbsp

• Cardamom powder – ¼ tsp

• Cashews – 1 tbsp

Preparation:
Heat ghee in a pan, roast cashews until golden. Remove them. In the same ghee, roast suji on low flame until it smells nutty and turns light golden. Add water carefully. Stir quickly to avoid lumps. Add sugar and cardamom. Stir until thickened. Top with roasted cashews and serve warm.

For more sweet recipes, browse Veg Recipes of India.

What Makes These Recipes So Useful?

You do not need a stocked fridge, complex ingredients, or fancy tools. These easy recipes for when you’re short on time use staples found in most kitchens. Even on the busiest days, these dishes give comfort, flavor, and satisfaction without any stress.

Whether you are cooking for one or feeding a small family, they fit right into tight schedules. You can even prepare some ingredients ahead of time—like boiling potatoes, soaking poha, or chopping vegetables—and store them in the fridge for instant use.

FAQs

Q1. Can I add more vegetables to these recipes?
Yes, feel free to add capsicum, carrots, or peas to make them healthier and more filling.

Q2. What can I use instead of poha?
You can use cooked rice or broken wheat as a substitute in similar recipes.

Q3. How do I make these recipes spicier?
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder to suit your taste.

Q4. Are these suitable for lunchboxes?
Absolutely. Recipes like tomato rice and besan cheela pack well and taste great even after a few hours.

Q5. Can I prepare these with kids at home?
Yes, these recipes are safe and simple. Kids can even help with mixing and stirring (under supervision).

Q6. What oil is best for cooking these dishes?
You can use vegetable oil, ghee, or even mustard oil depending on your preference and availability.

Q7. Do I need any special tools for these recipes?
No, a regular frying pan, ladle, and pressure cooker (optional) are enough for most of them.