We know that pre-first day of school jitters can be nerve-wracking, not only for thekids but also for the busy, workaholic mommies, too. You want to pack up some fresh and healthy lunch meals for your kids but at the same time, you don’t want your monthly grocery budget to shoot through the roof. And let’s face it, your kids don’t particularly care about nutrition as long as it tastes totally scrumptious. So, how do you bridge the gap between the two? With these amazing, lunch box recipes at #PricesYouWillLove,of course! Check out these healthy lunch box recipes for kids under Rs.500.
1. Basil and Zucchini Fusilli Pasta
Enjoy a veggie-loaded Italian marvel that will delight your little one’s taste buds without burning a hole in your pocket! Disguise the greens with some cheese and your kids will feast on it with no fuss at all.
Price: 459/-
Ingredients
•2 cups of Healthy Alternatives Green Pea Gluten Free Pasta (179/-)
•2 cloves of garlic, minced (18/-)
•3 Tomatoes, chopped (28/-)
•1/3 cup of Healthy Alternatives Pure Olive Oil
•¼ -1/2 Zucchini, sliced thin (38/-)
•¼ cup of basil, torn (88/-)
•1/3 cup of cheese (108/-)
•Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.Boil and strain the penne pasta as usual.
2.Heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic, for 2 minutes.
3.Add the zucchini and sauté, for another 3 minutes.
4.Add the tomatoes and basil, simmer for 2 minutes. Season with some salt and pepper.
5.Add the pasta, sprinkle with some cheese and serve.
2. Mushroom And Egg Noodles
No kid can resist noodles, especially when they are deliciously tossed with some earthy and meaty-tasting mushrooms! The eggs seasoned with some salt and pepper supplement a healthy kickstart for the day.
Price: 315/-
Ingredients
•1 packet of noodles (25/-)
•2 cups of mushrooms,sliced (45/-)
•½ tablespoon of garlic, chopped (18/-)
•½ tablespoon of ginger, chopped (11/-)
•½ teaspoon of black pepper
•½ cup of spring onions, chopped (11/-)
•1 to 1 ½ tablespoon of Healthy Alternatives Pure Olive Oil
•1 tablespoon of soy sauce (50/-)
•½ teaspoon of vinegar (50/-)
•2 Healthy Alternatives Free Range Country Eggs, boiled and chopped (105/-)
•Salt to taste
Instructions
1.Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Once they are done, add 2 teaspoons of oil, evenly coat them with it and set them aside.
2.Heat oil on low to medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for a few seconds. Then, add the spring onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3.Add the mushrooms, and sauté them on high flame. They should leave water while cooking, cook until all the water has dried up, stirring occasionally. Mushrooms should be lightly golden on the edges.
4.Add the pepper and the soy sauce, stir well. Add the noodles and the salt, stir and toss them well.
5.Add the vinegar and stir well. Mix in the chopped boiled eggs and serve.
3. Zucchini Tots
Putting together a nutritious, tasty, budget-friendly snack could not be easier! Is your kid always cringing away from those healthy greens? These zucchini tots are the perfect way to disguise your kid’s veggies with a cheesy twist!
Price: 329/-
Ingredients
•Healthy Alternatives Pure Olive Oil
•1 cup of zucchini,grated (63/-)
•1 large egg (72/-)
•1/4 medium onion, minced (16/-)
•1/4 cup of cheese, grated (108/-)
•1/3 cup seasoned brown bread crumbs (70/-)
•1/4 tsp. salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1.Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease the baking sheet with the olive oil.
2.Crumble the bread slices and evenly mix together your favourite seasoning with the crumbs.
3.Grate the zucchini on a sheet of butter paper until you have 1 packed cup.
4.Wring out all of the excess water from the zucchini. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients together and season with somesalt and pepper to taste.
5.Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture in your hands and roll it into small oval-shaped bites. Place them on the baking sheet and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, turning halfway though.
6.Cook until they turn golden.
This was our finest at 500 recipe list. What’s yours? Buy the freshest ingredients from Nature’s Basket and take the #FinestAt500 challenge yourself!
Looking for some more healthy recipes? Check out these low-carb vegetarian meal options here.
(Please note that there may be changes in the prices mentioned above depending on the time and place of purchase.)