You’ve been back at university for a few weeks now, and you promised yourself last term that you would be better at not wasting money here and there. You know you ought to start making your own lunches to take with you to the library, but you just can’t be bothered. Even if you do feel inspired for a moment and search up a YouTube video called ‘Super easy lunch ideas!’ you’re frustrated and lose all motivation when the first idea is a full-blown recipe with 17 ingredients, takes 2 hours to prepare, requires various culinary skills and overall, just isn’t ‘easy’ at all. Here is where this article steps in to help: 3 GENUINELY EASY lunch ideas. The slog of essay writing and reading can continue uninterrupted, and as an extra bonus they are also all plant-based and super healthy.
Falafel and hummus wrap
A vegan classic if there ever was one, this simple falafel and hummus wrap is better than Tesco’s and is far more budget friendly. All you need is a packet of tortilla wraps, falafel (I like the Cauldron’s one which is available at most supermarkets), houmous, and the rest is up to you. I usually add some tomato and salad leaves for a refreshing crunch, but this can be switched for grated carrot, chopped bell pepper or nothing at all if you’re not big on salad. Feel free to add any sauces too – I’d recommend sriracha for an extra fiery kick.
Tips:
*Flavoured hummus can make a nice change if you’re bored of the original, such as red pepper or sweet chilli.
*If you’re not a fan of hummus, avocado works nicely as a substitute and gives it a nice creamy addition.
With chickpeas in the hummus and falafel, this wrap is surprisingly satisfying from its source of protein and healthy fats, and will be sure to keep you working hard in the IC. And, if you’re planning on being out and productive all day and tend to get hungry, just make two to keep you going.
Mashed butter bean sandwich
Beans are so versatile and can really bump up the nutrition of any meal. They have loads of fibre and a decent amount of protein, and butter beans are a personal favourite of mine. For this sandwich, you’ll need a can of butter beans, vegan mayo (£1 from Tesco on West Street), a squeeze of lemon juice (I buy a bottle instead of using fresh lemons for ease), a bell pepper for an added crunch and sweetness, and any salad leaves of your choice if you like.
Toast two slices of bread, and meanwhile drain and rinse the butter beans and add a tablespoon or two of mayo, depending on how creamy you want it, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mash the beans on a plate, either with a fork or masher. This can be quite tricky, but the mayonnaise really helps them to mash quicker without deforming your fork! Once mashed, you want to spread some over your toasted bread and add strips of bell pepper and salad leaves if desired.
Tips:
*I usually toast the bread; however, this is completely optional.
*The mix of butter beans will make a few servings, so you can keep the mix in the fridge and use for the next couple of days
By pairing this yummy sandwich with some fruit and a cereal bar of your choice you’ll be able to focus all afternoon.
Roasted veg couscous
Whilst not quite as quick to put together as the first two ideas, this couscous recipe makes a nice change when you’re bored of bread and want to have something a bit more exciting to look forward to for lunch. Couscous is a personal favourite of mine, because all it requires is adding boiling water and it cooks itself in around five minutes!
For the roasted veg, feel free to experiment with your own favourites. Here I used broccoli, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and a can of chickpeas (tofu also works nicely here). I then added smoked paprika, cajun seasoning and salt and pepper, along with a drizzle of oil before mixing it all up on a baking tray. It will take around 20-ish minutes to cook, but keep an eye on it and take them out when they’re nice and crispy.
When you’re ready to assemble in a box to take with you, just mix the couscous and vegetables, and feel free to add any sauces (I added sriracha). I find this an easy option for lunches because you can make a big batch of vegetables, and then each morning quickly assemble with the couscous and you’re ready to go!
Tips:
*Crumble in a bit of stock into the couscous along with the boiling water (not a whole cube, more like ¼ per serving) for some extra flavour so it isn’t too plain.
