March save on work lunches challenge

The_Moo

laurabllue wrote: »

I've just started a new job so until I get my full months pay at the end of the month money is very tight and I just can't justify my usual spending on lunches. So for the rest of the 18 working days my aim is to make lunch for 14. Tomorrow's easy as it's a training course so free lunch However, the rest of the week will bring its usual challenges (no microwave/kettle, very little space in the fridge and the fact I don't like sandwiches - tricky)

What sort of things do you usually buy for your lunch? Can you make an equivalent at home? It's difficult not having a microwave. No kettle is downright cruel, I thought my work was bad with no micro! Do you have a flask for hot things or a cool bag + those reusable freezer block things to keep stuff cool?

Big tuna mayo salad with cold potato and boiled egg (salade nicoise kinda thing) might work?

The_Moo

Nottoobadyet wrote: »

Some of my favorites are -
Veggie fritatta, which you can make a huge one and just bring in a slice a day to eat with salad

Let me know if you want recipies for any of these!

NTBY please could you post the recipe for the frittata?

Thank you! :-)

Nottoobadyet

Oh Moo, Id be happy to! This is my mums. I've changed measurements from the American, they may not be perfect but its a very forgiving recipie!

Ingredients:
Spinach or other tender greens, thoroughly washed and trimmed
1 med onion, finely chopped
2-3 medium cooked, sliced potatoes, I sometimes use half regular half sweet. You can peel them but I like leaving the skins on
1 tin tomatoes, or a similar from fresh, peeled and seeded
6-8 eggs, depending on skillet size
4 ounces shredded cheese
salt, pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
Olive oil
Coat the skillet with the olive oil and then add about 1 T additional oil. Saute onion over medium heat until translucent. Add potato slices, and another Tbs. oil, if needed. Lightly brown potatoes, turning as needed. Remove potatoes and onion to a bowl.

Fill skillet with greens and saute, turning the pile of greens until they are thoroughly wilted.

Put potatoes & onions back in skillet. Mix in tomatoes. (Gently so as not to break potatoes.)

In a separate bowl whisk eggs, salt, pepper and paprika until until fluffy.

Scatter shredded cheese over mixture in skillet. Pour egg mixture over all, gently lifting the greens mixture to allow the egg to run throughout. Don't mix - it will make the frittata heavy.

Reduce heat to lowest and cover skillet. Cook for 35 - 40 minutes, until egg is thoroughly cooked. You can check it at 25-30 minutes, but try
not to take the cover off too many times. If you have a broiler (grill that is, my mum is American ) that will accomodate the skillet, you can gently place the skillet with the cooked fritatta under the broiler flame for a few minutes to brown the top.

Enjoy, its fab! Easily serves a dinner party of 6 with a side, and makes great packed lunches

determined_new_ms

Hi can I join too please? Spent too much money this weekend visiting a friend... Can u put me down for 2 bought lunch until the end of the month?

littlemisschocolate

Morning all,

Doing ok so far with this challenge.

I've got soup and fruit for my lunch, with a good book to read. That will keep me focused on not wanting to go out and spend money!!!

If you like Couscous Iceland are doing some Ainsley Harriet packets for 50p each nad you can get two lunches from them.

Cx

moneysaver599

Was lazy and didn't get out of bed on time to make lunch this morning. So, now I'm only allowed 2 bought lunches for the rest of the month :O

Anyway 5/6 lunches from home so far.

josephine82

I'm still on track, lunch number 6 out of 20 so far this month!

Nottoobadyet

Just had some frittata and green salad, followed by some yummy fudge a collegue brought in. Yum yum!

maysmummy

I find making packed lunches a real PIA( medical term- if you read it on your hospital notes, have a rethink on your attitude!) and as there are 3 of us taking packed lunches, I/we usually bulk-make sandwiches on saturday and freeze them, bagged for in the week. In a hurry? just have them as they are.More time? defrost night before and add salad.
Just a thought for motivation.

bargainbetty

Saved all my money today - off sick! Decided to make restorative chicken soup for the illness, and bulk cooked to allow for at least two lunches..... not bad for a coughing wreck on a Monday.