Tiffin traumas

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With schools and colleges having reopened after the summer holidays, mothers are once again at their wits’ end about what to give their kids for tiffin. Children no longer take the ubiquitous “jam-bread” lying down and even the schools themselves often send missives to the parents regarding what one should give for lunch and what are “no-nos”.
The following are a couple of recipes which are easy to make, nourishing and guaranteed to please the kids.

Instant Noodles a la Carbonara

One can make instant noodles like Maggi etc., in the style of spaghetti carbonara with or without bacon. It’s eggy and cheesy and is a good source of carbs. Use atta noodles for healthier options.

Ingredients
200 gm instant noodles or pasta
2 tsp salt
4 eggs
1 tbsp Parmesan, grated
4 tbsp milk or cream
Black pepper, freshly grated, to taste

Method
Cook the noodles as directed, but leave out the taste maker. While the noodles are still cooking, beat the eggs with the cheese and milk or cream, till the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Once the noodles are done, drain the water into a bowl and set aside.
Fold the beaten eggs into the noodles to coat thoroughly. Add some of the noodle water from the bowl and mix gently.
Grind black pepper on top before serving. If you are giving it as a tiffin, put the pepper in a small twist of paper so your kid can sprinkle it on top before eating.

Chicken and
Wasabi Buns
Large burger buns do not work well in this. Ideal are the paos that one gets in Goa or in Mumbai. If you can’t get wasabi paste, use a good English mustard.

Ingredients
750 gm chicken, with bone
2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
½ tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 small onion, chopped
2 tbsp mayonnaise
½ tsp wasabi
6 buns
12 rocket leaves

Method
Simmer the chicken, parsley, salt, pepper and onion along with a cup of water for 20-25 minutes till done. Once the chicken has cooled, refrigerate it overnight.
For making the buns, shred the chicken pieces and mix the mayonnaise and the wasabi in it. Slit the buns in half and place a couple of rocket leaves and a large dollop of the chicken.
Note: You can replace rocket with lettuce and can use any left over meat for this.