Quick lunch ideas for working women

Does the thought of packing your lunch box for work give you sleepless nights? We asked Archana Doshi, Founder, Archana’s Kitchen to suggest some ideas.

There is nothing better than home-cooked food in lunch boxes, says Archana Doshi, founder of Archana’s Kitchen. "Food that is cooked fresh and packed in boxes is good, nutritious and beneficial to health in the long run," says Archana. 

We know how difficult it is to cook fresh food in between planning your day at work and home. It may seem difficult but with a little planning, it’s not impossible. Here are some ideas by Archana to take you through the week. We hope these will get you inspired for the next week and the week after.

First make sure that you have the right lunch boxes that allow you to compartmentalize hot foods and cold foods, snacks that need airtight containers and spill-free boxes. Stock up on some airtight, leak-proof boxes, zip lock bags, heat-resistant containers and aluminum foil. It makes packing in the mornings easier.

1. Ragi Kuzhi Paniyarams
We don’t always have to pack the idli, vadas and  sambar to work after having it for breakfast. If you have leftover salad from the previous night, with grated carrots or tomatoes, add it to the dosa batter and make these paniyarams.

2. Paratha Wraps
You can make parathas the previous day and stir fry pre-cut vegetables in the morning.  Place the vegetables in the center of the paratha and roll it up to make a wrap.
Pack these along with some fresh fruits, a bowl of yogurt or buttermilk. You can keep the buttermilk and fruits packed the previous night in the refrigerator.

3.Chola-Thepla
Two things that you can make the previous day and pack into lunch boxes that will be ready the next morning, is the chola-thepla combination. 
Pack a treat in the lunch box like a flaxseed ladoo or even dry fruits like dates and walnuts.

4. Fruits, Nuts & Cheese
Fruits or salad, along with nuts and cheese make a wholesome lunch box especially when you have a working lunch. The lunch is non messy and can be eaten with ease.

5. Brown Rice Dumplings with Fruits (Upma Kozhakattai)
Making steamed dumplings from rice not only makes it easy to carry, but makes it easy to eat at work too. Its wholesome, packed with a lot of fiber and nutrition.
Adding fruits to lunches always gives you that instant energy to kick start the post-lunch session at work.