À La Carte: What's for lunch?

Cauliflower tahini bowl, tofu rice bowl w/ peanut sauce, eggplant sandwich + more 🥗

Hi friends,

The unglamorous truth is that nine times out of ten, my midday meal consists of recipe test leftovers. I basically just chuck whatever bits and bobs we have into a container, and call it a day. It’s fully utilitarian; although, I do pride myself on at least garnishing whatever I’ve succeeded in scavenging with fresh herbs and/or a sesame sprinkle.

But, on weeks when I know I won’t be recipe testing, I like to meal prep my lunches and that is very exciting. I love the ritual of taking care of my future self, and love having a colorful, nourishing meal to look forward to.

Lunch meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated. My criteria are only that it has to have a vegetable, sufficient fiber and protein, and a fun sauce. Below, a couple of my go-to’s…

P.S. What does lunch look like for you? Tell me in the comments!

1. Arugula Salad with Sweet Potatoes, Tofu and Creamy Balsamic

A salad made with raw vegetables alone is never satisfying enough for me. I love to add warm/cooked elements for balance, which is where the roasted sweet potatoes and seared tofu come in.

2. Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Bowl with Curried Tahini

This warm quinoa bowl with roasted cauli and crispy chickpeas is perfect for winter. Crunchy cucumbers add freshness and the fragrant tahini dressing ties everything together. Chopped medjool dates add unexpected pops of jammy sweetness - do not skip them!

3. Tofu Rice Bowl with Peanut Sauce

This one’s modeled after a combo I used to love getting at Sweetgreen - until I got sick of paying $15 for it. The creamy peanut dressing is to-die-for and so easy to make!

4. Roasted Eggplant Sandwich with Romesco

This eggplant sandwich with roasted red pepper spread and basil can be eaten warm, at room temp, or cold. I especially love it after it sits in the fridge for a few hours and the bread soaks in some of the sauce.

5. Farro Bowls with Garlicky White Beans and Lemon Tahini

A super simple, pantry-led bowl with roasted bell peppers and onions. This recipe works great as a template, since you can swap the grains, beans, and veggies with whatever you already have in your kitchen.

Planning to make one of these? Tell me how it goes in the comments section or tag me with your creation on Instagram.