Preparing lunch boxes to take to class or work is one of the best and easiest ways to save money on food.
But getting a really good lunch box can be a bit tricky. Some dishes will not be good the next day, while others may even be better. Which dishes should you really focus on, and which should you avoid?
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It is the best lunch box
In the latest episode of News24:’s food podcast “INthe ingredients” asks Philip DeGiorgio the restaurateur Jesper Kvarnefält and the super chef Mikael Einarsson about what is the best – and worst – lunch box.
The “Ingredients” podcast. Photo: Acast
Food professionals quickly come to the conclusion that stews and soups are good alternatives, for example a chicken stew. There, it is also important that the entire dish is in the same box – the rice, the vegetables and the stew itself.
Furthermore, the stew should be soupier and saucy to suit well for heating.
– I would probably have recommended a saucer stew with everything ready, says Mikael Einarsson in the podcast.
– I also see that, that everything is in, fills in Jesper Kvarnefält.
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A chicken pot works well as a lunch box. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT
Another good option for the lunchbox is lasagna, say the food fans.
– Lasagna is perhaps the optimal lunch box?, says Philip De Giorgio.
– Yes, because it is usually better the next day. When you still make a lasagna at home, it can really be worth making it in a large form, says Mikael Einarsson and adds:
– If you have the energy, you can bring an extra small jar or box with a cole slaw or tomato salad to go with the lasagna.
Lasagna is one of the best lunch boxes, according to the Ingredients. Photo: Janerik Henriksson/TT
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You should never have that in your lunchbox
But there are dishes that you should always avoid having in your lunch box – for various reasons.
Fish, for example, is good to avoid as it often gives off an unpleasant smell when heated in the microwave.
– Fish, you can’t heat that in an office environment. It’s a no go, says Philip Di Giorgio in the podcast.
Do you usually have fish in your lunchbox? Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT
Another popular dish for the lunchbox that, according to food professionals, you should avoid is pasta and dairy sauce, for example one based on crème fraiche or cream.
The reason is that such sauces crack when heated.
– There will be such a flowing layer of fat, it won’t be so fun, says Philip Di Giorgio.
– Doesn’t taste good either, adds Jesper Kvarnefält.
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