lunch time

i saw a post on facebook where a friend was looking for quick, healthy, filling lunch ideas.  it reminded me that lunch is my nemesis, but now that i feed our interns lunch most days of the week i am becoming quite good at it.  and am inspired constantly.  here are my go to lunch ideas:

frozen ravolis:
homemade, store bought, cheese filled, meat filled, whatever.  they are quick and delicious.  and not so bad for you either. once cooked i have been known to serve them the following ways: tossed with olive oil + parmesan + crushed red pepper - or- tossed with roasted butternut squash (pre roasted or leftovers from dinner) + parmesan + thyme - or-  in butternut squash soup from TJ's, -or- in this soup.

quinoa:
pre make a batch every week and eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  you will thank me when the protein hits your blood and you are revived.  here's how i like to serve quiona: quinoa + black beans + cojita + lime juice -or-  quinoa stuffed peppers in the crockpot - or- quinoa + greens + avocado + sunflower seeds, or quinoa + plain yogurt + honey + blueberries

lentils:
make a lentil salad in the beginning of the week.  you can add sausage to it, put in broth to make a quick soup, add feta or parmesan or just eat it as is. just cook your lentils and let cool to room temp.  make your favorite vinaigrette and toss with the lentils.  add your favorite veggies.  i like it with carrots and onion.  spinach or arugula is nice to add when you have it.  lots of fresh herbs are yummy too. should keep in the fridge for the work week.

eggs:
hard boiled and poached eggs are easy to premake and transport.  and they are cheap. hard boiled eggs can be a quick snack, smashed on rye with mayo & s+p to make a quick egg salad sandwich, or added to a green salad.  poached eggs are great on a frisee salad with bacon (seriously), served on top of linguine with spinach and a dash of hot sauce, or perched on top of last night's chili, cheese, and tortillas (voila! huevos rancheros). 
better yet, buy a premade pie crust + 8 eggs whisked with half milk and half cream + s&p +cheese + your favorite meats &/or veggies.  bake your quiche at 350 degrees for about 1 hr. 15 minutes.  should keep refrigerated for about 4 days. can be eaten cold, room temp, or warmed.

beans:
beans, beans, the magical treat.  hendrix loves beans.  i do, too, because they are so damn cheap and easy.  buy them dry and cook a big pot every week.  or splurge and buy them canned. . .just rinse before use.  hendrix likes them the following ways: white beans + tomatoes + parmesan + olive oil + s&p (warmed), black beans + white rice +mango, black beans+corn + rice (warmed), chickpeas + green onion + feta + cous cous (warmed) or in my award winning soup.

don't forget to send me your easy, healthy, & cheap recipes!!