Lunch

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When Daniel started going to school for the whole day, I had to look into options on what I could pack for his lunch. My kids are not big into Indian food, and usually Indian food doesn't taste good when it's cold. So, I would usually pack cold meat or cheese spread kind of sandwiches.

I found the recipes on the internet for lunch ideas to be complicated. So, I started experimenting with different combinations, and I have a few ideas that I thought of writing in a blog post, that I will update, so I don't lose track (Somewhat, dorky. Yes:))

Protein options
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- Boneless skinless chicken thighs - Marinate in spices. This is a dry rub. (I use cumin, coriander, pinch of chili and salt). Sear chicken on both sides in a pan on medium-high heat till it forms a crust. Bake at 350 for 12-15 mins. Pack chicken pieces in individual snack size Ziploc bags. Can cut up and use with pasta/spaghetti, noodles or rice.

- Shrimp - Marinate shrimp in turmeric, pinch of chili, cumin, salt for 10 mins. In a pan, saute onions, garlic. Add shrimp and let it cook for 10 mins or so.

- Meatballs. Mix ground beef, with breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, eggs (optional), olive oil, garlic, fresh or dried herbs, Parmesan cheese. (Whole foods also has pre-made meatball meat. It tastes great!) Sear meatballs in a pan. Cook in marinara sauce till done.

Carbs
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- Boil Pasta/Spaghetti. Toss in olive oil. This can stay in the refrigerator and goes with different protein options.

- Rice. Add salt, pepper, olive oil, turmeric, lemon juice, herbs, nuts etc.

- Noodles. Use ramen noodles. Add frozen veggies (carrots, peas, corn). Add chopped up pickles (optional). Add protein (chicken/shrimp)

- Bread. Sandwiches. (cold meat, cheese, chicken)

- Wraps. Tortillas - fill with chicken/shrimp. Add cheese slices. Can add pickles, avocado, cooked canned beans (tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper). I omit sauce (it gets soggy).

- Annie's pasta for kids (simple, easy to follow directions)

Salad
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Salad greens with chicken/shrimp, nuts, sunflowers seeds, avocado, cheese etc. Dressing on side.

Sauce  (works with pasta/spaghetti)
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- Marinara. I use store bought marinara sauce, but change it  a little bit. 
In a pan, saute onions, garlic. Add dried herbs (parsley, basil etc). Add salt, pepper, chili flakes. Add sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese and simmer for 15-20 mins.

- White sauce. Can use store bought. I make mine, it is pretty easy.
In a pan, melt butter. Add heavy whipping cream. Let it simmer for 5 mins. Add salt, pepper. Let it cook till sauce thickens. Add Parmesan cheese. And combine.

Sides
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Can chop up raw veggies (baby carrots/ bell peppers/cucumbers). Bamboo shoots,
Fruit.
Yogurt.

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