Chicken bald back

[Daphne]

I'm running out of ideas for OH's lunchboxes. Normally he has something like tuna or smoked mackeral mixed with rice, pasta or tinned pulses, and something like halved cherry toms/cucumber/peppers/sun-dried toms/olives with a dressing of oil/sesame oil and lemon or vinegar and any fresh herb I happen to have. He really likes these lunches but he is going to end up looking like them soon. I'm looking for filling alternatives particularly what else can I use for the protein which isn't too fattening (ie probably not cheese although the occasional bit of feta would go down well)

[kinsk]

I feel your pain.

 

I make a potato salad but using 0%fat greek yogurt mixed with mustard, honey and mustard, mashed up anchovies, herbs etc. to vary the dressing and then add some smoked fish and/or boiled egg.

 

Bulgar wheat or quinoa salads along the tabhouleh (can't spell it!) line with prawns, chicken, beef.

 

He loves wholemeal wraps spread with a bit of light philadelphia, some form of meat and salad.

 

Tortillas/fritattas are popular, I usually use onions potatoes and ham or bacon with some herbs.

 

Noodle salad this one is lovely, I do it with buckwheat noodles http://www.quadrille.co.uk/blog/view/320/recipe-of-the-day-gordon-ramsays-rice-noodle-salad-with-prawns-and-thai-dressing

 

There is a great book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Your-Lunchbox-Do-ahead-Lunchtime-ebook/dp/B00KSNE3V6/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415616194&sr=1-3&keywords=james+ramsden

 

Loads of ideas in there including some great 'pot noodle' ideas. My husband works outside and more often than not the only facilities he has on site is a kettle so the homemade pot noodle means he can have a healthy hot dinner.

[Cat tails]

I love couscous and it's great for salads too!

I soak the couscous in hot water with a bit of stock (little tablets) and add some creme fresh for the creamy bit.

Lettuce, tomato, egg (!) cucumber, radishes etc are all great in it.

With couscous and creme fresh, it still is low calorie, and you can add as many flavour as you want.

[mullethunter]

I work outdoors....

 

...HOMEMADE POT NOODLE!!!

 

I've never thought about that but it's a brilliant idea. I'm DEFINITELY going to look that up

[kinsk]

I work outdoors....

 

...HOMEMADE POT NOODLE!!!

 

I've never thought about that but it's a brilliant idea. I'm DEFINITELY going to look that up

 

Hugh Fernley Wittingstall does a version but the ones from the link I posted are definitely better. Basically you cook your noodles, rinse with cold water to cool immediately. Then shred some veg - carrots, mange tout, peppers, courgettes, spring onions, red onions etc. you need them as thin as possible, I use one of those julienne peelers where possible. Pick some protein - prawns, chicken, beef, cooked. Then you simmer some stock with flavourings such as chunks of ginger, garlic, lemon grass, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce (made a lovely one with some leftover crispy duck) until you have a really concentrated "shot pot" as he calls it, it wants to taste quite strong. Pack the noodles, veg and meat, I sometimes throw in some chopped herbs, into a heat proof thing ( I use one of the short squat kilner jars for me and a thermos type soup bowl for husband) lunch time pour over the concentrated sauce, I usually put it in with the rest of the noodles etc. fill up with boiling water, stir and eat.

 

There are about 4-5 different variations in his book and I do variations on them. The stock does take a while to concentrate but it's not like it needs watching and I now make big batches and freeze in ice cube trays.

[mullethunter]

I'm going to try one for tomorrow if I can find something to put one in that isn't full of jam!

[Space Chick]

I really like a Puy lentil salad.

 

I tend to cook an onion and some pancetta, then add tomato purée, water and fresh basil and the cooked Puy lentils

[mullethunter]

It's made and in the fridge. Not sure I've left enough space for water though!

[Valkyrie]

Have you seen Christian's bento boxes? Oh my all those goodies! He puts a piccy on FB and I'm dribbling at all the goodies!!! Lots of inspiration there.

[mullethunter]

I forgot to report back. Homemade pot noodles have turned out to be great success! I've had three now and they're brilliant out on a cold day. I've converted another member of my team too

[Daphne]

Good post OH has rebelled and is finally fed up of my lunches, and its getting cold, so this is a timely reminder for me to try them. I was resorting to packing him off with leftovers to heat up at work, he was particularly keen on bits of leftover roasts, but I think he was getting some funny looks as bits of squashed broccoli and mangled meat appeared out of the one and only small square sandwich box we seem to own.....

[kinsk]

We've been on homemade pot noodles all week this week.

 

Another good one, but you do need a microwave, last week husband was on a site that had one. A little squash, cut the tip off, scoop out seeds and stuff with gouda, gruyere, some sort of melty cheese, seasoning, a bit of chorizo or ham, lid back on and microwave. Scoop out with a spoon.

[Space Chick]

Great soup season at the moment.

 

Today I had chicken stew.... Free range chicken (left over from a roast), swede, parsnip, carrots, leek, kale, chicken stock and parsley. Delicious and very filling