In recent times, people have tight schedules owing to their busy lives. People find it challenging to prepare a nutritious and satisfying lunch for tiffin options for school, college or office goers. For every problem, there is a solution. With the emergence of bento boxes, a convenient and stylish solution that allows you to pack a variety of delicious foods in one compact container.
Now, what is a bento box? It is a Japanese-style lunch box that contains a meal, including a main dish and some nutritious sides. This is an easy way to pack a balanced meal at lunch for your workplace or kids’ school that will contain a well-balanced meal in one tiffin box.
Bento boxes consist of compartments, and they are set meals that follow a 4:3:2:1 ratio, which include four parts carbohydrate, three parts protein, two parts vegetables and one-part pickled vegetable or fruit.
filled with a variety of foods, including carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre. This box allows convenient storage and transportation but also concentrates on portion control and variety in a single meal. The Bento Box helps you prepare and arrange a nutritious meal aesthetically. The idea is to use various items in small quantities so that they are fulfilling and sufficient. If you are wondering what an Indian bento box can include, here are a few ideas to try:
- Paneer Tikka Bento Box
Indianize your Japenese bento box by incorporating irresistible flavours of paneer tikka. To make this, panner cubes are marinated along with bell peppers and onions and grilled to perfection. Four parts of jeera rice can be paired with three parts of these succulent paneer tikkas. In another compartment, you can add two parts of cooling cucumber raita, a small portion of vegetable salad and a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander. Add some cut fruits, like papaya or guava, to the remaining part of the bento box. This protein-rich bento box option ensures to satisfy your tastebuds as well as your cravings.
- Vegetable Pulao Bento Box
If you want to try something hearty and wholesome for your busy days, this vegetable pulao bento box is a promising option. Indulge in vegetable pulao made from fragrant rice, spices and seasonal vegetables. Four parts of the pulao can be paired with three parts of dal tadka and a crispy papad. Add some raita and salad to one part and tangy green grapes to the last compartment in your bento box. This is a perfect example of a comforting bento box for an office or school lunch.
- Chickpea Salad Bento Box
If you want to opt for a lighter option, this chickpea salad bento box is the ideal one. To make this, toss cooked chickpeas, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers in lemon juice and add chaat masala for added flavour. Pair this chickpea salad in the biggest compartment with a compartment of quinoa for extra protein and texture. Include a side of minty yoghurt dip and lemon pickle with a side of cut watermelon for a refreshing twist.
- Masala Omelette Bento Box
Start your meal with a protein-packed masala omelette bento box. To make this lunch box, whisk eggs with chopped onion, tomatoes, green chillies and coriander leaves. Cook the eggs until golden and fluffy, and pack them into the biggest compartment of the box. Serve the masala omelette alongside whole wheat bread or paratha. You can also add a side of tangy tomato-cucumber-onions salad with lemon and chaat masala and mint-coriander chutney. Slice the apple, dip it in peanut sauce and place it in the last compartment to enjoy the balanced meal. The bento box option offers a perfect balance of protein and carbs.
- Aloo Paratha Bento Box
If you love aloo paratha, include it in the bento box and carry it to your workplace, or pack it for your kids at school or college. The soft parathas are filled with spiced potato filling and cooked in a girdle until golden and crispy. You can serve these parathas with a creamy yoghurt raita made with cucumber, onion and tomatoes and a side of tangy pickle. Complete the dish with crunchy pickled cucumber slices or carrot sticks. Your bento box will be complete with a banana in the last compartment. This home-cooked goodness is a satisfying lunch option.
- Channa Masala Wrap Bento Box
Modernise your lunch tiffin with a flavourful channa masala wrap bento. To prepare this, cook chickpeas in a tomato-based gravy made with ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices. Spoon out the chana masala onto the whole wheat tortillas and top them with lettuce, diced onions and yoghurt sauce. Roll it up into a wrap and slice it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. You can pair it with crispy masala-fried potatoes or baked sweet potato wedges. Enjoy your bento box with sliced mangoes.