Finding win-win ways to fill kids' lunch boxes can be difficult. It's easy to get stuck packing the same old stuff day after day and even easier to find ready-made options at the supermarket that save time but cost the earth–and might not be as nutritious as you want them to be. What's worse is that all these mini-packages and bags are costing the planet, because many of them contain plastic that cannot be recycled, and the rest are clogging up our weekly bins.
So it's a win-win to ditch the packaging in favour of these healthier and more affordable lunch boxes that you can quickly prepare and have quick access for kids at lunchtime. Each country has its own way of packing a food box according to its own food preferences. An Indian lunch box usually consists of some kind of roti, rice, sabzi, dal and more, making it a more wholesome meal.
Children, however, can be very picky eaters. So, innovating new ways beyond regular Indian lunchbox meals is very important. Here are some easy ways you can pack the perfect lunchbox for your kids this summer.
DIY Taco Lunchbox
Who doesn't love tacos? Although the tortillas probably won't be hot when you eat them, heating them first keeps them pliable for the filling. If you don't want a hard taco shell, use sub-tortillas for soft tortillas. To make this lunchbox all you need is fresh tortillas, meatballs or paneer tikkas, tomatoes, cabbage, shredded carrot, Mexican-style cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges. Combine meatballs with chilli in a small bowl and mix well. Pack the lunchbox with the meatballs, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, cheese, sour cream, and a lime wedge in a shared bento-style lunch box or individual covered containers. Place rolled tortillas on top. Your kid can assemble the fresh tacos and enjoy.
Onion Uthappam
This is a popular South Indian recipe and a very healthy and easy to make dish and can be served with different types of chutneys. All you have to do is mix some onion, chilli, ginger and coriander leaves in a dosa batter. Now add some oil in a heat pan and pour dosa batter in a circular motion and cook. Packed the lunchbox with uthappam and with whatever chutney you like.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancake
These pancakes are made with millet or gluten-free flours and are very easy to make. Add the gluten-free flour in a batter of egg, pumpkin mash, salt and some milk for thinner pancakes. Stir the batter until it makes for a homogenous mix without any lumps. Cook the pancakes until the batter begins to bubble slightly and the pancakes puff up.Pack the lunchbox with some cream cheese and raspberry jam, sliced yellow bell pepper, mini grapes, a tube of yoghurt and a dark chocolate.
Pizza Roll-Up Bento Lunch
This simple pizza-inspired roll is a children's delight. Place the tortilla on a plate and spread the pizza sauce over it. Top with an even layer of spinach and top with cheese. Microwave on high until the cheese is melted, about 45 seconds. Carefully roll the pizza. Let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting into pieces if desired. Pack the slices into a medium container. Make crunchy veggies more appealing by choosing colourful varieties like orange and purple cauliflower and don't forget the dip.
Cucumber Sandwich
This creamy, crunchy cucumber sandwich recipe strikes the perfect balance between decadent and light. Also cucumbers can add hydration status in summer. Mix the cream cheese, yoghurt, chives, dill and pepper well in a small bowl. Spread the mixture evenly on one side of each slice of bread. Top with one slice of cucumber slices, then another slice of bread, cream cheese side down. Cut the crusts on the sandwich and cut it in half diagonally.
Also Read: 4 Healthy Lunchbox Ideas For Your Kids
Rainbow Veggie Wrap
These kid-friendly wraps definitely have a sushi vibe because they are filled with vegetables like olive, spinach, red cabbage, broccoli sprouts, red bell pepper, carrots, cheese and hummus, then rolled and sliced. Serve them with herb-infused dressing to kick it up a notch. They look impressive, but are easy enough for kids to put together for lunch or dinner as well.
Garlic Hummus
This classic hummus recipe for lunchbox couldn't be easier. Just throw a few ingredients in a food processor and away you go. To make the hummus all you have to do is drain the boiled chickpeas, reserving one fourth cup of the liquid. Place the chickpeas and the reserved liquid in a food processor. Add tahini, oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, chilli and salt. Puree until very smooth, which should take around two minutes. Now pack the garlic hummus with veggie chips in a lunchbox.
