Hello Joyful Tribe! 🌟
Welcome back to the blog! Today, I’m sharing three tasty lunch ideas you can easily pack for your kids—and the best part? They’re all ready in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re a busy parent or simply looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to become family favorites.
So grab your apron, and let’s dive right in!
1. Dirty Rice with Veggies and Plantains
This savory and flavorful dirty rice, also known as beef rice, is a hit with kids (and adults too)! Packed with protein, vibrant veggies, and a touch of spice, this meal is a well-rounded option for school lunchboxes.
Ingredients:
- For the rice:
- 2 cups of washed rice
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 250g ground beef (or chicken)
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 1 tsp suya spice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup water
- For the veggies:
- Broccoli (or any veggies your kids like—spinach and Ugu are great alternatives!)
- Salt, to taste
- A drizzle of vegetable oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup water
- Extras:
- Fried plantains
- Grapes (or any fruit of choice)
Instructions:
- Cook the rice: In a pot, combine washed rice, chicken stock, and the chicken cube. Cover and cook until done.
- Prepare the sauce: In a pan, heat vegetable oil and sauté onions for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef and stir to break it apart. Season with parsley flakes, suya spice, garlic powder, ginger powder, and cumin.
- Add tomatoes, bell peppers, Scotch bonnet, and water. Stir, cover, and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Combine the cooked rice with the sauce. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer for another 5–7 minutes.
- Prepare the veggies: In a pan, add broccoli, salt, oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and water. Cover and steam for 3–5 minutes.
- Fry the plantains: Slice and fry in oil until golden brown.
- Assemble: Pack the rice, veggies, plantains, and grapes into a lunchbox.
Pro Tip: Keep lunchboxes warm by pouring hot water into them for 10–15 minutes before adding the food!
2. Sweet Potato and Veggie Egg Delight
This wholesome meal is perfect for sweet potato lovers. It’s colorful, delicious, and nutritious!
Ingredients:
- For the sweet potatoes:
- 1 large sweet potato
- A pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the eggs:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- For the veggies:
- Broccoli and baby carrots (or your preferred veggies)
- 1 tsp butter or oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water
- Extras:
- Watermelon (or any fruit of choice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel, rinse, and cut the sweet potatoes into cubes or strips. Sprinkle with salt, then fry until golden.
- Make the eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk with Scotch bonnet, onions, and bell peppers. Pour the mixture into a greased pan, cook, and flip once set.
- Cook the veggies: In a pan, heat butter or oil and season broccoli and baby carrots with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes.
- Assemble: Pack the sweet potatoes, veggies, eggs, and fruit into a lunchbox.
Did You Know? Irish potatoes are a great alternative to sweet potatoes if your kids prefer them!
3. Carrot Spaghetti
This colorful and healthy twist on spaghetti will excite your kids with its vibrant flavors and fun presentation!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium carrots, peeled
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoning of choice
Instructions:
- Prep the veggies: Peel the carrots and chop them into small pieces. Chop the bell peppers, onion, and Scotch bonnet as well.
- Blend the sauce: Blend the carrots, bell peppers, onion, and Scotch bonnet until smooth.
- Cook the spaghetti: In a pan, heat vegetable oil and sauté the blended mixture for 5 minutes. Season with garlic powder and your choice of seasoning.
- Add boiled spaghetti (or any pasta) to the sauce, mix, and let it cook for 2–3 minutes on low heat.
- Serve: Pack the carrot spaghetti with a side of fruit and maybe some protein like chicken strips or boiled eggs.
Why These Lunch Ideas Work
- Quick & Easy: All three recipes are ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to multitasking!
- Balanced Nutrition: Each meal includes carbs, protein, veggies, and fruits to keep your kids energized throughout the day.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your child’s preferences or use what you already have at home.
Watch the full video here
Which of these recipes will you try first? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your creations with me on Instagram @joyfulcook__. Happy cooking! 🍴
