Let's talk about lunch

Cafe Society
1

I am fortunate to work in reasonably close proximity to my three favourite lunch places, two of which are not quite practical to walk to. I can make it on my bike, but now that the weather is turning this is becoming less of an option unless I want my work clothes to get covered in mud and icky wetness over the lunch hour (which I don’t, particularly).

So the time has come to think about bringing my lunch. This is hard, and this is where I need your help.

There are two key factors here:

  1. I am vegetarian and have a low tolerance for cheese (although I love it).
  2. I hate sandwiches.

So, I need ideas.

What do you all eat for lunch?

2

Leftovers from dinner

Soup in a thermos

Pasta or bean salad

Hummus and crackers or pita

That’s pretty much what I eat, minus the non-vegetarian options.

3

Same here, not many options for veggies.

  • I’ll bring a salad, but can only do that so many times.
  • I make up 2 pounds of beans, then make and freeze bean burritos…just pull one out when I want one. Since you make them yourself, you can limit the cheese.
  • for brekkie I’ll have hummus and cauliflower-you can have that or a variation for lunch.
  • chili. Make up a big batch on sundays, freeze half for later. Take a big bowl for lunch. I use a variation found in Moosewood Cookbook.
4

I’d suggest a variation of Jambalaya. Make it as per the many recipes, but instead of the andouile/sausage or ham, use portobello mushrooms instead.

It is an easy one dish meal, heats up well in the microwave, and as with all tomato-based dishes, tastes even better a day or two later.

A little of Tony Cacherie’s seasoning provides a welcome kick to the meal without adding too much heat.