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Back-to-school time can be a stressful period for both children and parents alike. One area that can contribute to stress during the back-to-school period is the preparation of daily school lunches or tiffins. Coming up with creative and nutritious lunchbox ideas every day can be time-consuming and challenging. However, having a selection of quick and easy recipes at hand can make this process less daunting and more manageable.
By having a repertoire of simple recipes, parents can streamline the lunch-making routine, saving both time and energy. Quick recipes ensure that children receive a well-balanced meal without requiring extensive preparation or cooking skills. These recipes can help parents plan and organise meals ahead of time, reducing last-minute rush and stress in the morning.
Moreover, offering a variety of options prevents lunchbox monotony, making the meals more appealing to children. When kids enjoy their lunch, they are more likely to eat well and feel satisfied throughout the school day. Quick and easy recipes also enable parents to incorporate nutritious ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, ensuring their child's dietary needs are met.
With a little planning and creativity, parents can make the daily task of packing a lunch box a less painful and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Here are 5 10-minute back-to-school tiffin ideas you can try:
1. Veggie Frankie Roll:
Take a whole wheat tortilla and spread a layer of mint chutney or yoghurt on it. Add sliced vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots. Sprinkle some chaat masala or seasoning of your choice. Roll it up tightly and cut into bite-sized pieces. This colourful and nutritious roll will be a hit with kids.
2. Paneer Tikka Skewers:
Cut paneer (Indian cottage cheese) into cubes and marinate them in a mixture of yoghurt, spices, and a little oil. Skewer the paneer cubes along with colourful veggies like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers. Grill or cook them in a pan for a few minutes until they are golden and slightly charred. Pack these flavorful skewers along with a small container of mint chutney for dipping.
3. Stuffed Paratha:
Make a quick and easy stuffed paratha by spreading a filling of mashed potatoes mixed with spices on a roti or flatbread. Fold the paratha and cook it on a tawa (griddle) with a little oil until it turns golden and crispy. Cut it into triangles or bite-sized pieces and pack it with a side of yoghurt or pickle.
4. Vegetable Upma:
Prepare a delicious and nutritious vegetable upma by sautéing semolina (rava) with onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and beans. Add water, season with salt and spices, and cook until the upma is soft and fluffy. Pack it in a lunchbox along with a side of coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.
5. Fruit Salad Chaat:
Create a refreshing and tangy fruit salad chaat by mixing diced fruits like apple, pineapple, pomegranate seeds, and grapes. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, sprinkle some chaat masala, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. This colourful and flavourful fruit salad will be a delightful addition to your child's lunchbox.
