I’ve got to be honest, I get no pleasure out of lunch. Don’t get me wrong, if midday dining involves choosing from a menu then I’m all in, but lunch at home is another story.
What do you eat for lunch?! I need more lunch ideas! I wrote last year about meal planning which has got our evening meal down to a fine art but lunch, well that’s another story. Each day I feel as though I’m peering in the fridge thinking some imaginary fairy will have planted the ingredients, or better still, ready-prepared a full-on feast. But alas no.

Five Weekday Lunch Ideas

Below are a few of the lunches I’ve been eating recently. I’m mostly meat-free so apologies they’re all veggie options.

Mushrooms on Toast

A bit more spesh than beans on bread, cook your mushrooms in your oil of choice, throw in some mixed herbs and a spoonful of wholegrain mustard. When the mushrooms are cooked pile on top of some toast and for a bit of protein add a poached egg. Obviously a bit tricky to prepare if you’re in an office but you could make the mushrooms at home and toast some bread if you have the facilities.

Falafel with Salad

I really need to start making my own falafel but for the minute we buy cauldron ones to add a bit of a protein to a green salad. Really quick to throw together and very transportable.

Madeline Shaw’s Lentil Soup

This is my ‘go-to’ in the winter. The lentils are really filling and the coconut milk and coriander bring a delicate flavour to a classic. The recipe is very thick so you can throw in a bit more liquid if you fancy it.

Huevos Ranchos

To be honest, I reckon you can have Huevos Ranchos at pretty much every meal of the day. However, with wraps being a lot lighter than two hunks of bread, it’s one of my favourites for lunchtime. We use the BBC Good Food recipe which favours a regular tomato rather than a tinned variety so there’s a lot less drippage from your tortilla. I skip the egg if I’m taking it out the house.

Beetroot and Halloumi Salad

This is a new one in the Coleman household that James found on Olive Magazine. Whizz up beetroot, yoghurt garlic and lemon juice in a blender and serve with giant couscous and halloumi. If you keep the ‘dip’ element of it separate then it would transport well to work.

What are you filling your tummy with at lunchtime? Any lunch recipe favourites we all need to know about? If you’re after ideas for the start of the day than do take a peek at Naomi’s recent breakfast ideas post.