LPG cut? Try these tasty no-stove recipes
Make-do, no-stove recipes for the LPG shortage
Who knew owning an induction stove would become the ultimate flex in 2026, and airfryer evangelists, once insufferable, would start looking like Masterchef contestants? With the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict disrupting LPG imports through the Strait of Hormuz, Indian households find themselves hunting down alternative appliances. Food delivery apps, our last line of defence, can’t come to our rescue anymore either, as restaurants are facing kitchen shutdowns and menu alterations due to the shortage.
Nobody wants to revisit the hostel jugaad days of undercooked, soupy Maggi made with an electric kettle. Well-meaning, and probably childless, individuals keep recommending salads and smoothies, but have you ever tried serving kachumber to an eight-year-old who considers vegetables a personal insult?
Before you join the queue for an induction top, we’ve compiled a list of recipes you can try that require no gas to cook, and can be managed by even the most hopeless chef.
8 Recipes to make during a low-gas LPG shortage
Easy no-stovetop ideas
Skip the tikkis that would need a stovetop; instead, swap them with this no-cook chaat that tastes similar. Pick canned chickpeas from the supermarket; they are ready-to-eat and give you a solid boost of protein. Just remember to wash them well before eating. If making your own chutneys is too much of a hassle, you can buy them ready-made from brands like Kissan and Mother’s Recipe.
Bombay Sandwich by Indian ASMR world
It’s not a recipe listicle if we don’t admit to watching ASMR cooking videos late at night. They are quite relaxing to watch in these situations. You can amp up this simple sandwich by toasting the bread in a toaster or a good ol’ sandwich press or use hung curd as a creamy, probiotic spread in between slices as well. Pro tip: Add pickled veggies to your sandwiches or wraps for extra flavour and gut-friendly bacteria. If regular white breads aren’t your jam, incorporate a sourdough or flavoured loaves from a bakery near you.
Quick air fryer recipes:
Classic Mix Veg Sabzi by Second Recipe
Toss your protein of choice, like tofu, paneer or chicken, with this simple vegetable dish, and pair it with rice (yes, you can make it in an air fryer) for a complete meal. It’s close enough to our usual dinners and leads to minimal vessels for washing. This way, at least you’re still eating a balanced meal without the jhanjhat of lining up for a gas cylinder.
Click here for the recipe.
Tandoori Chicken by Ministry of Curry
This recipe needs some time for prep and at least 30 minutes for marinating, so it’s definitely not a quick recipe, but the flavours definitely pack a punch. If you want to take this recipe up a few levels, shred the chicken, mix it with lettuce, tomato and onion, then roll it all in a store-bought tortilla wrap.
Click here for the recipe.
Idli by Easy Indian Cookbook
We agree idlis made in an air fryer don’t come as fluffy as they do when made in a steamer, but there’s nothing podi can’t fix. Chop them into smaller pieces, air fry them a second time to get crunchy edges that almost make up for the texture difference. It’s low effort and can be a fun and easy meal for packed lunches.
Recipes for the microwave:
Baked Sweet Potato by MOMables
Got leftovers in your fridge? Follow this recipe to cook the sweet potato in a microwave, then customise the toppings as per your taste buds. It’s also perfect for the picky eaters and vegans.
Fluffy Scrambled Eggs by Australian Eggs
Eggs are versatile as ingredients; they can be made in the microwave or air fryer (or even a kettle if you’re brave enough). Scrambled eggs are the easiest breakfast option or a side dish to complement the smaller dishes like sandwiches and salads.
Channa Garam Masala Sabzi by BBC
The least expected item that can be made in the microwave, but if the BBC has tried it, it might be good. Do feel free to switch the coconut milk with dairy cream that’s more suited to our taste buds. Pair it with rice made in an air fryer or cook it in the microwave.
Click here for the recipe.
When you’re short on time and motivation, grab a ready-to-eat microwavable meal from brands like Tata Sampann, MOM, and Haldiram’s. This is a high-stress period, and convenience isn’t a compromise.
Be on the lookout for long-lasting foods like theplas, they don’t need to be reheated before eating. Non-perishable items like chips, makhana, chivada, or khakra are great to have around as well. Remember, any food that fuels you is healthy.
You can also rely on kitchen aid appliances, other than the induction, such as your mixer for chutneys and smoothies, an electric kettle to heat water, a sandwich press to grill paneer, or rice cookers for one-pot meals.
Take time to check in with your immediate community, like neighbours and friends who live near you. Share tips, resources and food because we’re never alone in a crisis.
