Despite the heat here in Dubai, the signs of the new school year are already starting to pop up in stores. I was interested to see that the French hypermarket Carrefour has the list of school supplies required by the French curriculum schools as well as French stationery products for sale. It was like being at home in a Walmart again in August. I don’t know who first thought of gathering the school supply lists and making them available for harried parents, but they deserve a medal of honor!
This week our Sunday Supper group is trying to make Back to School easier for you with great ideas for take along lunches, snacks and quick dinners. Many thanks to Tammi from Momma’s Meals and her co-host Gwen from Simply Healthy Family for hosting this useful event!
Ingredients to serve one
1 teaspoon vegetable bouillon powder, or ¼ cube vegetable stock
Small knob fresh ginger
1/2 garlic clove,
1/4 red or green chili
Vegetables I used (Mine weighed about 5 1/2 oz or 155g in total):
Carrot
Spring onion
Edamame (I used frozen, peeled edamame that was thawed.)
Snowpeas or mange tout
Young asparagus
Fresh baby corn
Cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts
Other suggested vegetables:
Cabbage
Bak Choy
Bean sprouts
Green peas
Broccoli
Fresh spinach,
etc.
Optional: 3 hard-boiled quail eggs or perhaps cubes of tofu
For serving:
2-3 teaspoons soy sauce
Wedge lime
Method
Mince your chili pepper and cut your vegetables into thin strips or slices. I have a handy tool that juliennes my carrots very easily, but if you don’t, feel free to grate yours. The thinner you can cut the veggies, the better they will “cook” in the boiling water.
Put your noodles and bouillon powder into a sealable heatproof container. Add in the minced chili pepper then grate in the ginger and garlic.
Mix the vegetables up and pile them on top of the noodles.
Add the eggs to the top, if using. You can put the lime wedge in as well for easy transport. Don’t forget to bring along some soy sauce.
When you are ready to eat, remove the lime wedge and add boiling water to the container.
Close the lid and leave for eight -10 minutes. I gave mine a gentle shake and swirl now and then to help the powdered bouillon dissolve and to distribute the flavors of chili, garlic and ginger evenly around the container.
A word of warning: Despite its rubber seal, my "cup" is not leak proof when filled with liquids but it works fine for transporting the ingredients before the boiling water is added. You might want to check your vessel before heading down the hall from the break room to your office or classroom if you are making this at work. Always carry hot food cautiously with dry towels or oven mitts.
Advice part two: If you keep this in the refrigerator at work, take it out well before you are planning to eat so that it can come to room temperature before adding the boiling water. Otherwise, the water will be cooled too quickly and the vegetables and noodles may not be "cooked" enough for your liking.
Squeeze in the lime and add soy sauce to taste.
Enjoy!
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| Recipe adapted from River Cottage Veg* by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Of course, being British, Hugh calls them Pot Noodles. |
Are you tired of packing that same old lunch or looking for quick evening meals for busy school and work days? Have a look at the great list of recipes and tips our Sunday Supper group has for you today!
Back to School Beginnings
- Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Muffins from Killer Bunnies
- Make Ahead Waffle Casserole from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
- Apple Muffins from Meal Diva
- Apple Oat Breakfast Cookies from What Smells So Good?
- Toast Three Ways from Foxes Love Lemons
- Owl Bento Box from Simply Gourmet
- First Day of School Pinwheels from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
- Quick and Easy Hot Pastrami Sliders from Webicurean
- Grilled Chicken Revamp from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Baked Eggplant Parmesan from Hezzi D's Books and Cooks
- Chicken and Zucchinin Meatballs from Casa de Crews
- Clean Eating Lunches Your Kids will Love from Amee's Savory Dish
- Crispy Chicken Legs from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- DIY Veggie Cup Noodles from Food Lust People Love
- Chicken Nuggets from Nosh my Way
- Skinny Spinach Mac and Cheese from Take a Bite out of Boca
- Chicken Schnitzle from Panning the Globe
- Berry Nutty Bento from Ninja Baking
- Spagetti and Chicken Meatballs from Soni's Food
- Chopped Shrimp Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette from The Weekend Gourmet
- Steak & Cheese Pockets from Momma's Meals
- Turkey Pinwheels from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Hulk SMASH Smoothie from Run DMT
- Good Morning Smoothies from Family Foodie
- Nutty Granola from Life Tastes Good
- On the Go Guacamole from Shannon at Country Girl in the Village
- Cinnamon Caramel Apple Energy Balls from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Playground Granola Bars from Noshing with the Nolands
- Apricot Dip from Magnolia Days
- Parmesan Garlic Oven Roasted Chick Peas from Ruffles and Truffles
- Home Made Graham Crackers from Curious Cuisiniere
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars from Pies and Plots
- Gluten Free Apple Zucchini Flax Bread from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
- Beef and Veggie Sliders from Grumpy's Honeybunch
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Popcorn from Simply Healthy Family
- Frushi (Fruit Sushi) from Mama Bee Does
- Open Face PB & J Cookies from Desserts Required
- Berry Topped Chocolate Silk Tart from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Paletas from La Cocina de Leslie
- Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
- Love Note Doodle Bugs from Happy Baking Days
- Frozen Yogurt Mud Pies from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Brown Butter Peanut Butter Crispy Treats from The Texan New Yorker
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