Currently, my meal obsession is this simple salad from the fridge…
The other day, my friend Maddy created some Mediterranean couscous. She has this talent for rummaging through the pantry, mixing a bit of this and a bit of that, and before you know it, you’re enjoying the tastiest dish you’ve had in years. (Are you also an instinctual cook? I find it quite entertaining to observe.)
We’ve got a huge bowl of this couscous in our refrigerator, and I’ve been enjoying it daily for lunch. The boys are fans as well. It’s, as they say, endlessly customizable, so you can toss in any toppings you fancy.
Mediterranean Couscous
8 lunch servings
extra virgin olive oil
16 oz pearl couscous
Better Than Bouillon (optional, omit for vegan/vegetarian)
1 shallot
1 lemon
pint of cherry tomatoes
6 Persian cucumbers
2 red bell peppers
red onion
avocado
rotisserie or grilled chicken (optional, omit for vegan/vegetarian)
fresh dill
dried oregano
pinch of cinnamon
salt and pepper, to taste
Heat a bit of oil in a pot, then add the couscous, toasting the grain until it’s lightly browned. Pour in 2.5 cups of water and approximately 2 teaspoons of Better Than Bouillon (optional). Stir occasionally until the water is absorbed and the couscous is tender, adding additional water as needed.
In the meantime, thinly slice 1 shallot and place it in a small bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shallot slices to marinate.
Then, chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, avocado, and chicken, and combine them in a large mixing bowl.
When the couscous is done cooking, add it to the large bowl of chopped veggies. Drizzle with olive oil and season with dill, oregano, and a pinch of cinnamon (trust us on this one!).
Add the shallot and lemon juice to the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Optional toppings:
Feta
Goat cheese
Crushed red pepper
Capers
Olives
Cornichon
Sliced radishes
Grated carrot
Corn
Roasted vegetables
Chickpeas
Black beans
Dollop of hummus
Croutons
This also made me chuckle:
@elysemyers oatmeal is out, meatballs are in. #adhdthings #ocd #hyperfixation
♬ original sound – Elyse Myers
Thoughts? What have you been having for lunch lately?
P.S. Three simple weekday lunches, and a lazy man’s ratatouille. Also, what are your hyper-specific love languages?
**A Guide to Popular Lunch Options**
Lunch is a vital meal that supplies the energy required to get through the remainder of the day. With numerous options available, selecting the perfect lunch can be both exhilarating and daunting. This guide delves into some popular lunch choices that accommodate various tastes and dietary preferences.
**1. Sandwiches and Wraps**
Sandwiches and wraps rank among classic lunch selections due to their adaptability and ease. They can be tailored with a range of fillings, including meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spreads. Popular choices include:
– **Club Sandwich**: Typically composed of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, layered between three slices of toasted bread.
– **Chicken Caesar Wrap**: Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing wrapped in a tortilla.
– **Vegetarian Hummus Wrap**: A nutritious option featuring hummus, cucumbers, bell peppers, spinach, and feta cheese.
**2. Salads**
Salads serve as a refreshing and healthful alternative, ideal for those aiming to uphold a nutritious diet. They can be straightforward or as intricate as one desires. Some popular salad choices include:
– **Caesar Salad**: Romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese, tossed with Caesar dressing, often topped with grilled chicken.
– **Greek Salad**: A blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and red onions, dressed with olive oil and oregano.
– **Quinoa Salad**: A protein-rich selection with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and a lemon vinaigrette.
**3. Soups**
Soups provide comfort and can serve as a fulfilling meal on their own or accompanied by a sandwich or salad. They are particularly favored during the colder seasons. Some crowd-pleasers are:
– **Tomato Basil Soup**: A creamy mixture of tomatoes and fresh basil, frequently served with a grilled cheese sandwich.
– **Chicken Noodle Soup**: A timeless favorite featuring chicken, noodles, carrots, and celery in a flavorful broth.
– **Minestrone**: A hearty Italian vegetable soup packed with beans, pasta, and a tomato-based broth.
**4. Asian-Inspired Dishes**
Asian cuisine presents an array of flavorful and satisfying lunch selections. These dishes typically involve rice or noodles along with a variety of proteins and vegetables:
– **Sushi**: A Japanese classic, sushi rolls are crafted with vinegared rice, seafood, and vegetables, wrapped in seaweed.
– **Pad Thai**: A Thai noodle dish with stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, peanuts, and bean sprouts.
– **Bibimbap**: A Korean dish featuring rice topped with vegetables, beef, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce.
**5. Mediterranean Plates**
Mediterranean fare is recognized for its use of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. It often includes a medley of grains, proteins, and vegetables:
– **Falafel Plate**: Crispy chickpea balls served with pita bread, hummus, and a salad.
– **Gyro**: A Greek wrap filled with seasoned meat, typically lamb or chicken, accompanied by tzatziki sauce, onions, and tomatoes.
– **Tabbouleh**: A salad made with bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice.
**6. Plant-Based Options**
For individuals adhering to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, plant-based lunches offer both nourishment and delight:
– **Veggie Burger**: A patty made from beans, grains, or veggies, served with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo on a bun.
– **Lentil Soup**: A filling and protein-laden soup crafted with lentils, carrots, and spices.
– **Stuffed Bell Peppers**: Bell peppers packed with quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, baked to perfection.
**Conclusion**
Whether you’re in search of something light and healthy or hearty and satisfying, there’s a lunch option available to match every taste and dietary requirement. By exploring diverse cuisines and experimenting with flavors, lunchtime can become an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
