Make-Ahead

Tiffin Ideas

for Office Lunches

Rice And Grain Bowls

Dishes made from rice are classic Indian tiffin staples, since there are fewer chances of spilling rice, when mixed with dal, rajma, chole, or any other curries. However, it might feel boring after a point to eat the same dish every day. To give it some extra taste, you can try lemon rice, tamarind rice, or jeera pulao. These dishes hold moisture very well after packing and resting. If you want to replace rice, you can use quinoa or millet instead. These rice and grain bowls can be paired with stir-fried vegetables, greens, or boiled eggs, if you want some extra protein. You can portion and pack it on a Sunday night and take the same box to office lunch, reheat and eat it to get the comfort of home food. You can mix the rice and even millet and quinoa with different veggies, curries to avoid monotony. 

Parathas And Theplas

Parathas and theplas are unbeatable when it comes to Indian breakfast. Parathas stuffed with aloo, paneer, or even mixed vegetables remain soft in the tiffin even hours after cooking. Theplas, on the other hand, with the mix of spices and methi leaves, stay fresh for longer and are ideal if you are travelling. Preparing the dough and the stuffing beforehand can save a lot of your time. You just have to roll out and cook the parathas, which will take less than 10 minutes, and your delicious tiffin is ready! Pair the parathas with pickle, yoghurt or chutney as per your choice. They are perfect for a fuss-free meal prep before going to the office. 

Layered Salads And Healthy Sides

While parathas are a perfect, typical Indian lunchbox option, it does not mean there are fewer global or cold tiffin options to try. Cold options like salads, chaats can be equally refreshing during office hours. Jar salads with grains, vegetables, beans, and nuts are fresh and crunchy if you pack dressing along and add it just before eating. For an Indian version, you can also take sprouted chanas, which are protein-rich, easy to prepare and can be stored in a refrigerator up to two to three days. These salads make you feel full and do not leave you sluggish, making for a great lunch option. They can even be had as an early lunch or post-lunch snack, adjusting as per your office and meetings’ time. 

Protein-Rich Curries And Dals

For those who cannot sustain without typical Indian food, a simple curry or dal is the best option for lunch boxes. Curries like chana masala, rajma, and chole hold up in tiffins without any mess, and they even taste better the next day as storing helps in absorbing all the flavours. You can very well cook these curries on a Sunday and portion them for your weekday lunches. You can pair them with rice or rotis as per your preference, and your lunch is sorted! If you feel like having a proper meal, you just need to ass some salad, papad, and pickle, and you can have a homely thali experience at your desk! 

With just a little planning on the weekend, you can turn your weekday lunches into something delicious that brings you joy amid a long workday. Be it a rice bowl, paratha or salads, you can enjoy good food on the desk and get nourishment and comfort all packed in a simple tiffin box!