Home > Meal plans

Indian meal plan for one person

Enjoy the convenience and taste of the Indian Meal Plan for One Person. This plan is perfect for solo diners who want to enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine without any hassle. Savor delicious meals made just for you.

Get grocery list
meal plan icon
complete meal plan
meal plan icon
FREE SHOPPING LIST
review icon
Article reviewed
people
Indian meal plan for one person photo cover

Meal plan grocery list

  • Rice
  • Red lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Cilantro
  • Green chilies
  • Potatoes

  • Cauliflower
  • Carrots
  • Green beans
  • Peas
  • Bell peppers
  • Eggplant
  • Cucumber
  • Yogurt
  • Paneer
  • Chicken breast
  • Shrimp

  • Salmon
  • Ground turmeric
  • Cumin seeds
  • Coriander powder
  • Garam masala
  • Mustard seeds
  • Coconut milk
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Olive oil
  • Ghee
  • Basmati rice

Save this list
Share this list
fact-checked review
Article reviewed

Meal plan overview

Cooking for one is simple with the Indian Meal Plan for One Person. This plan offers easy, single-serving Indian recipes such as dal, rice, and vegetable stir-fries. Enjoy a variety of dishes that are perfect for solo dining, without the hassle of leftovers.

Each day provides meal ideas tailored to one person, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze. This plan ensures you enjoy nutritious and satisfying meals even when cooking for yourself.

Foods to eat

  • Single-Serving Meals: Prepare dishes like dal, rice, and vegetable stir-fries that are easy to scale down for one person.
  • Healthy Snacks: Keep handy snacks such as nuts, seeds, and fruits that don't require preparation and are good for portion control.
  • Quick Proteins: Use eggs, canned fish, or tofu for easy protein additions to meals.
  • Easy to Store Vegetables: Stock up on vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and spinach that last longer and can be used in various dishes throughout the week.
  • Meal Prepping: Consider preparing larger batches of meals that can be portioned and stored for convenience throughout the week.
✅ Tip

Prepare a simple dal and rice combo in a pressure cooker to save time and effort while ensuring a nutritious meal.

Foods not to eat

  • Bulk Packaged Items: Avoid buying in bulk if you won't consume it before it spoils; focus on fresh and perishable goods that you can eat quickly.

Main benefits

Choosing the Indian meal plan for one person can make meal prep easy and enjoyable. This plan includes simple, single-serving recipes that are quick to prepare, minimizing waste and effort. It focuses on balanced meals with a variety of proteins, vegetables, and grains, ensuring you get all the necessary nutrients. The use of spices and herbs keeps the meals flavorful and interesting. Additionally, the flexibility of the plan allows for easy customization based on personal preferences and dietary needs.

graph image
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To create balanced and convenient Indian meals for one person, consider these substitutions:

  • For a nutrient-dense grain, amaranth can replace basmati rice in meals.
  • To add variety, zucchini can replace eggplant in stir-fries and curries.
  • For a heart-healthy fat, avocado can replace ghee in snacks and salads.
  • To boost protein intake, Greek yogurt can replace regular yogurt in snacks and meals.
  • For a fiber-rich roti, oat flour can replace whole wheat flour in flatbreads.

How to budget on this meal plan

An Indian meal plan for one person can be economical by planning meals that use similar ingredients throughout the week, reducing waste and costs. Cooking larger batches and freezing individual portions can save money and time, ensuring you have ready-to-eat meals. Opt for versatile ingredients like rice, lentils, and vegetables that can be used in various dishes. Shopping at local markets for fresh produce and buying pantry staples in bulk can further stretch your budget. Preparing simple, nutritious meals like dal and roti ensures a balanced diet without overspending.

Download the grocery list for FREE

  • ✔️ Add and remove items
  • ✔️ Sort items by store aisles
  • ✔️ Share the list with your partner
Get grocery list
phone picture with a shopping list

Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some easy-to-prepare snacks for one person:

  • Apple slices with peanut butter
  • Carrot sticks with hummus
  • Greek yogurt with honey and nuts
  • Mixed nuts and seeds
  • Whole grain crackers with cheese
  • Fresh fruit like berries or a banana
  • Air-popped popcorn with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For a single-person meal plan, drink options include water with a splash of lemon or cucumber, green tea for its antioxidants, and smoothies made from a variety of fruits and vegetables for extra nutrients. Milk or fortified plant-based alternatives provide essential calcium and nutrients, and herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can aid digestion and relaxation.

How to get even more nutrients?

When cooking for one, aim for balanced, nutrient-dense meals. Choose lean proteins like grilled chicken, fish, or tofu, seasoned with herbs and spices. Include a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach for essential vitamins and minerals. Incorporate whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice for fiber and energy. Finish your meal with a serving of fresh fruit or a mixed fruit salad to add natural sweetness and additional nutrients. This approach ensures you maintain a healthy diet even when cooking for one.

Meal plan suggestions

Indian Meal Plan for One Person

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Besan cheela with grated carrots and spices
  • Lunch: Chicken curry with basmati rice and cucumber raita
  • Dinner: Palak paneer with whole wheat chapati
  • Snack: Cucumber and carrot sticks with yogurt dip

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Yogurt with grated cucumber and spices
  • Lunch: Chana masala with basmati rice and salad
  • Dinner: Salmon curry with coconut milk served with green beans
  • Snack: Boiled eggplant seasoned with olive oil and coriander powder

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Tomato and onion uttapam with coconut chutney
  • Lunch: Cauliflower and pea curry with whole wheat chapati
  • Dinner: Shrimp and bell pepper stir-fry with rice
  • Snack: Paneer cubes marinated in turmeric and grilled

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Aloo paratha with curd
  • Lunch: Red lentil dal with spinach, served with basmati rice
  • Dinner: Stir-fried carrots, green beans, and bell peppers with paneer
  • Snack: Tomato and cucumber salad with cilantro and lime dressing

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Chapati with garlic and ghee
  • Lunch: Eggplant and potato curry with rice
  • Dinner: Chicken sautéed with bell peppers and onions, served with chapati
  • Snack: Chickpea salad with tomatoes, onions, and green chilies

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Poha with peas and carrots
  • Lunch: Paneer tikka masala with basmati rice
  • Dinner: Coconut shrimp curry with green beans and rice
  • Snack: Spinach and yogurt dip with sliced cucumbers

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Masala omelette with onions and green chilies
  • Lunch: Cauliflower, peas, and carrots curry with chapati
  • Dinner: Grilled salmon with a side of sautéed spinach and garlic
  • Snack: Roasted chickpeas with garam masala

Download the FREE grocery list for this meal plan

Like this meal plan?

Get grocery list
picture showing a phone with a shopping list

Want to learn more?

⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.