Cooking Tips You Must Keep Handy

Mornings are not exactly the best part of the day for everyone. While some struggle to work up a quick breakfast, there are others who simply skip the first meal of the day and even forget to pay heed to packing lunch. When mornings are an absolute rush-rush affair and your lunch hour bears the brunt of it, we suggest that you work smarter, pre-prep and assemble a quick lunchbox in just no time. While breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should NEVER be skipped, experts put equal emphasis on lunchtime as well. If you have been skipping your afternoon meals or gobbling up just about anything, it is time to stop. We bring you brilliant tips, ingenious tricks and fuss-free recipes that will make the act of taking a lunchbox an exciting, joyous affair.

Quick tips:

- No time? No worries, simply scout your refrigerator for the leftovers from last night. Got some rajma-chawal? Perfect! Drop in some oil, mix the two, throw in some herbs or veggies and arrive at flavourful fried rice in no time.

- The easiest would be to work a box full of fruits or seasonal veggies into a quick salad.

- Soak legumes and beans overnight, toss together, add herbs and condiments. Pack.

- Sprouts can be your best bet. Light boil them, team with boiled eggs, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

- Sandwiches work the best - easy to put together, loaded with your favourite ingredients.

While these tips will come handy while you plan your lunchbox, what is sure to delight you are some of our choicest recipes created just to fit into your busy routine.

Lemon Rice
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta

This classic recipe employs a host of ingredients to give it a flavourful twist. Done in under 30 minutes.

Aloo Bhaji
Recipe by Chef Naresh Kumar Jaypee Vasant Continental

Chunky potatoes are cooked with simple ingredients and done in just no time.

Mixed Bean Salad
Recipe by Chef Roopa Gulati

A fresh spin on salad - dried beans, capsicum and tomatoes dressed in sweet and sour flavours.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta

Easy, quick and yum, no wonder this recipe refuses to die down.

If you're not a fan of sweating it out in the kitchen, we suggest you work your way with the leftovers. Here is how you can smartly use leftover rotis and rice to quickly pack yourself some delicious lunch.

Using leftover rotis

There is a whole new world to explore, from roti tacos, rolls, wraps to other quick, flavourful bites.

Using leftover rice

If fried rice is the first thing that comes to your mind then move over the idea to explore other brilliant recipes that use leftover rice like never before.