Skipping breakfast, the most important meal of the day, is never a good idea. There might be days when you won’t have time to sit and have your breakfast in peace because not every morning is a lazy morning. For days like those, you can efficiently pack your breakfast and eat it on the go or after a couple of hours. Packing a nutritious and satisfying breakfast can set the tone for a productive day ahead, so it is necessary that you do so.
Whether you’re rushing to work, school, or just need a quick bite while heading out for a particularly busy day, packing breakfast dishes like paratha, idli-sambar, or fruits can be helpful. Here are some practical tips to pack your favourite breakfast dishes, ensuring they remain enjoyable even when you’re on the move.
Paratha:
Parathas are a popular Indian breakfast option that can be prepared in various ways, such as aloo paratha, gobi paratha, or paneer paratha. To pack parathas for breakfast:
Recipe - Kabita's Kitchen
- Make the parathas with ghee. They are more long-lasting this way and stay softer.
- Wrap them individually in aluminium foil or parchment paper to keep them warm and prevent them from sticking together.
- You can also use a small container to carry some pickles or yoghurt as a tasty accompaniment. Make sure it’s air-tight to avoid spillage.
- Opt for a thermal lunchbox to maintain the parathas’ warmth until it’s time to eat.
Oatmeal:
A wholesome and convenient breakfast choice, oatmeal can truly make your mornings healthy. To pack oatmeal for a portable meal:
- Prepare a batch of overnight oats in a mason jar by mixing oats, milk or yoghurt, and sweeteners like honey or jaggery.
- Seal the jar tightly and keep it refrigerated. When you leave, take the intact, sealed jar with you. It can be eaten cold or heated in a microwave if available. But remember to eat it within a couple hours, not post that.
- To maintain the freshness of oats, do not add sliced fruits, nuts, or seeds. Carry them separately and layer your oatmeal with them when you are ready to eat.
Roti-Sabji:
Roti-sabji is a classic Indian breakfast, and packing it can be a breeze with these tips:
- Wrap the rotis in a clean muslin cloth or aluminium foil to keep them soft and fresh.
- Apply ghee or butter to the rotis to keep them soft when you eat your meal.
- Use a separate container for the vegetable sabji to prevent sogginess. Make sure it’s tightly sealed.
Idli-Sambar:
Idli-sambar is a South Indian breakfast combination that tastes divine together. Here’s how to pack it effectively:
Recipe - Hebbars Kitchen
- Place the idlis in an airtight container, and if you want, drizzle a bit of ghee over them to prevent sticking.
- Pack the sambar in a separate leak-proof container to avoid any messy spills.
- Don’t forget to include some coconut chutney to complete the meal. Use a small, sealed container for it.
Maggi:
Maggi noodles are a quick and tasty breakfast option. They are a nostalgic breakfast dish for 90s kids who used to eat tiffin-shaped cold Maggi during lunch time in school. To pack Maggi for an on-the-go meal:
- Cook the Maggi with your favourite vegetables and spices, and let it cool slightly before packing.
- Transfer the Maggi into a thermos to maintain its temperature.
- Ensure you have a fork or chopsticks handy for easy eating and pack a small container with hot sauce or keep a sachet of ketchup if you like a bit of spice.
Dosa:
- Dosa is a delicious South Indian breakfast dish that should be packed with a little more care.
- Spread a thin layer of ghee or oil on the dosa to prevent it from drying out.
- Fold the dosa in half or roll it up, and then wrap it in aluminium foil or parchment paper.
- For masala dosa, carry the potato stuffing or masala separately to prevent the dosa from getting soggy.
- Carry the accompanying coconut chutney and sambar in separate air-tight containers to keep them fresh and spill-free.
Fruits:
Fruits are a refreshing addition to any breakfast. They make for a quick meal that’s healthy too. To pack fruits efficiently:
- Opt for fruits that are easy to carry and eat, like apples, bananas, or grapes.
- Slice or chop the fruits and place them in a reusable container.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of lemon juice and chat masala or a touch of honey to enhance the fruit’s flavour.
General Tips for Breakfast Packing:
Now that we’ve covered specific tips for packing different breakfast dishes, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Insulated Containers: Invest in high-quality, insulated containers to help maintain the temperature of your breakfast dishes. Thermal lunchboxes, thermos flasks, and leak-proof containers can be valuable assets.
- Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid over-packing. This ensures that your breakfast is easy to carry and that there is no waste of food.
- Layering: When packing dishes with multiple components, like roti-sabji or idli-sambar, use separate containers or compartments within a lunchbox to prevent mixing and maintain freshness. In the case of a combination like dal-chawal, it's better to mix both and pack in a bowl.
- Cutlery and Condiments: Include necessary utensils like forks, spoons, or chopsticks. Additionally, pack condiments such as chutneys, sauces, or dressings separately to avoid sogginess.
- Keep it Fresh: Use ice packs or gel packs to keep perishable items like yoghurt, milk, or salads fresh during transportation.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Consider using reusable containers and utensils to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable breakfast routine.