Summer tiffin made simple: Light, tasty, and refreshing!
Summer, the season of sunny skies and mangoes bring the struggle of packing the right tiffin to stay fresh, tasty, and healthy till lunchtime. Whether you are going to work, school, or planning a day out, your summer tiffin should be light, cooling, nutritious, and comforting. Packing heavy or oily foods during hot days may lead to unwanted sluggishness and digestion troubles. Following are simple tricks and easy summer tiffin ideas to help you stay energetic without sweating in the kitchen.
When the temperature rises, your body demands lighter and water-rich foods. Heavy gravies, deep-fried snacks, or rich desserts satisfy your taste buds but upset your digestive tract. Thus, you need to choose the right ingredients and cooking methods to prepare a cool and compact summer tiffin that nourishes your body and keeps you cool from the inside.
Cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, muskmelon, and curd-based dishes are your best friends in summer.
Make a transition from heavy wheat rotis or rice to millets like jowar, bajra, or quinoa. They are lighter and easier to digest.
Grilling, steaming, and boiling are better choices than deep-frying in summer.
Dahi (curd) is a natural probiotic that acts as a perfect summer coolant.
Fresh seasonal fruits, chutneys, and freshly prepared salads are suitable over processed or canned foods available in supermarkets.
Following are some compact tiffin ideas that are healthy as well as easy to prepare:
The classic South Indian curd rice is a must cooling food in summer. Add pomegranate seeds, grated cucumber, and a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves for an extra punch.
Pro Tip: Always pack curd rice in a steel or insulated lunchbox to keep it cool.
A refreshing foxtail millet salad with diced cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and a light lemon dressing can be a game-changer on a hot summer afternoon. It's gluten-free, highly filling, and can be made in within 15 minutes.
Roll up some lightly sautéed veggies along with grilled paneer in a multigrain roti. Add a mint-coriander chutney spread for extra freshness.
Pro Tip: Wrap them in butter paper instead of aluminium foil to keep them soft.
Nothing beats a nicely prepared chaat in summer! Mix boiled moong sprouts with chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander, green chilies, and a dash of lemon juice. Loaded with protein, iron, and fiber, this is perfect for all ages.
Layer thick curd with seasonal fruits including mango, papaya, or berries and a sprinkle of dry fruits. This makes for a great midday energy booster.
Cut veggies at night and store them in airtight containers.
Always carry your lunch in insulated lunch boxes to keep food fresh for longer.
Pack a small box of buttermilk or chaas for added hydration.
Freeze an ice pack and slip it into the tiffin bag during extreme hot days.
Healthy summer tiffins isn’t about convenience – it’s about caring for your health a bit extra. You just need to pack light to feel energetic!
