So this week was a wonderful one as the tiffin was empty and the tummy was happy. Today it is Friday- the last working day for the week and so it has to be a fun day. Was thinking what can I pack in the tiffin to make it a FUN FRIDAY? Well then came the idea to make Macaroni. My kid loves macaroni and finishes it in no time. Yes, we keep on reminding him to chew it properly and that is the reason I put big cubes of carrots in it. So let us check out the recipe for this super easy and simple Macaroni and also the recipe for a quick snack.

One box of Diced Pear. I squeeze a few drops of lemon on top and mix it gently so that it does not changes its colour. 

For Lunch – Veg Macaroni

• Mustard Oil – 1 tbsp
• Onion – 1 (finely chopped) and 1 (cut into cubes)
• Carrot – 1 (cut into cubes)
• Capsicum – 1/2 (finely chopped)
• Garlic cloves – 2 (minced)
• Spring Onion (optional) – a handful (green part)
• Tomato Ketchup – 1 tbsp
• Soya Sauce – 1 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Pepper Powder – 1 tsp
• Macaroni – 1 cup
• Water to boil

• In a large vessel, take water and bring it to boil. Add salt and oil in it. Once the water starts boiling, add macaroni. Once the macaroni is soft, strain the water and keep the macaroni.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add onion, carrot and capsicum. Sauté for a while. Do not overcook them. It should be a little crunchy.
• Add both the sauces and mix gently. Add salt and black pepper and the macaroni and give a good stir.
• Garnish with the green spring onion. You can also use coriander leaves.
• On a low flame, cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 2 minutes. 
• The delicious and simple macaroni is ready to be packed.

You can also watch the recipe video for Indian style Macaroni in my Youtube Channel.

For Snacks – Veg Appam and Coconut Chutney

So I had  some leftover idli batter and coconut chutney. I used that batter to make appams.

• Mustard Oil – 1 tsp 
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
• Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
• Carrot – 1 (grated)
• Curry Leaves – 5 to 6
• Salt to taste
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
• Red chilli powder – 1/4 tsp
• Grated ginger – 1/2 tsp
• Idli Batter – 1 bowl

• Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once it crackles add curry leaves, grated ginger, onion and carrot.
• Sauté for a while then add all the spices.
• Cook them well and transfer everything to the idli batter.
• Heat the appam stand and grease it with oil or ghee.
• Take 1 tsp of the prepared batter and pour it in each cavity.
• Cook on medium flame while covering it with a lid.
• After 2-3 minutes check if it cooked and if done flip it and cook from other side.
• This time do not cover it. Once it turns golden brown and looks crispy, it is ready.
• Pack it with some coconut chutney or green chutney or ketchup and  let your kids have a delicious snack bite. 

So here was two simple recipes which could make Friday a Funday for the kids. Hope you enjoyed all the recipes this week. Will keep on adding more tiffin recipes in the section “Tiffin Bites”. So stay tuned and please post your encouraging comments in the comment section because it motivates me to keep trying and sharing these recipes.

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu..