Emergency/packet lunch ideas that aren’t disgusting

[Catspyjamazzzz]

So I am working somewhere I cant get lunch unless I bring it or I drive out to get some.
I’m not keen on going out at lunch so wondering if anyone had found something I can have for lunch and stash in my desk for emergency days. Something you cook with boiling water or a microwave.
Like a pot noodle but not as disgusting obvs!

I'd just like to say that this:
"I have also been known to make lunch and leave it by the front door etc...hence emergency..." is one of the best reasons ever for not relying on taking a packed lunch .

I was just about to huff about how quickly you can put a healthy salad together in the morning .

@BarbaraHepworth

I'd just like to say that this:
"I have also been known to make lunch and leave it by the front door etc...hence emergency..." is one of the best reasons ever for not relying on taking a packed lunch grin.

I was just about to huff about how quickly you can put a healthy salad together in the morning

Good tips then please!! Ta!

I keep tinned broth type soups - the Heinz Big Soup or similar - ones with loads of barley etc in them. I eat a whole tin and that is really filling.
I also keep crackers of various types - but I don't mind these dry.

Brioche rolls keep well too for something sweet.

I also always have cereal bars for snacks, and the mugshot things and microwave rice.

I boil a load of small potatoes one night and put them in the fridge. I hard boil a load of eggs and put them in the fridge. I have bags of salad and avocado in the fridge.

I have a box big enough for a lunch portion.

One layer of salad leaves at bottom on box.
Take 3-4 potatoes (more if you prefer) and chop into small bits. Place evenly on top of salad.
Shell egg. Can chop into quarters and put over potato layer.
Dice an avocado and toss with lemon juice and salt. Chuck over egg.
Cover with layer of salad leaves.

I usually do it the night before but last night I got distracted and forgot. This morning I made this in about three minutes, including stashing in bag and vaguely tidying up.

@BarbaraHepworth

The problem the OP has though is forgetting their home prepared lunch though - hence needing an emergency back up they can keep at work!

Tins of Heinz bean/veg soup often 3 of your 5 a day.
Oatcakes.
Dried couscous packets.
John west tuna tins (Aldi do a very similar tin for half the price). You can mix into the couscous.
Tin of mixed fruit in case you fancy something sweet.
Packet of cheese (leave in fridge for week).
Packet olives.
Dried fruit.
Nuts and seeds - plain or flavoured.
All of which would mix into the couscous.
Cereal or nut bars.
Bread sticks.
Those lovely expensive dr karg crackers!
Tinned beans and sausages (veggie from Sainsbury’s are nice).

Sorry @theunsure it was in response to @overnightangel who asked me how I made a quick salad in my earlier jokey post. I should have tagged her when I posted it.

Packets of spicy couscous are nice and so quick to make. DH likes the Ainsley/Lidl ones.
A pouch of microwave rice with a can of Stagg chilli.
Can of Big Soup.
Can of Cream of Tomato soup.

Uncle Ben’s Mexican rice.

I did try one of those Ainsley Harriot couscous things before - I thought it was awful.

I have made quinoa, roasted veg, olives and feta tomorrow (hopefully I won’t forget it!).

I’m not keen on my own leftovers, I cook everything at home. It’s very samey eating your own food I find.

I think when the weather turns I won’t find the idea of soup so awful, can’t eat it when it’s warm!

John west steam pots and Kabuto or Nissan noodles

Wraps often have quite a long life, also oatcakes or ryvita. I've been known to feed my children nothing but nakd and cereal bars for a meal before in an emergency (delayed flight).

Cup a soup, cous cous, cereal, wrapped waffles or brioche, Tuc crackers. These arent too healthy right enough but will be ok in your drawer.

My emergency go to is baxters soup. Minestrone is my fave as it has pasta in it so bit more filling. I had scotch broth this week and with pesrl barley and peas it was filling enough. Salty. But will buy again.

M&S does tinned chicken or veg curries. Have one of those with some packet rice - pretty substantial!

I really like the John West tuna pots with the couscous - the chilli and garlic one is lovely

@overnightangel Yes! I agree, my absolute favourite, I particularly like drinking the liquid left at the end usually causing me to cough and bring tears to my eyes 😂

Have you tried the 'Look what we found' range? They are vac packed and don't need refrigeration. I have only tried them when camping/hiking but they tasted fairly good (although perhaps most things do after a days walking?). Stupid name and a bit pricey, but you can stock up when they are on offer - Morrisons has them for £1 at the moment for example. Can be paired with plain couscous/rice/noodles for a fairly substantial meal.

groceries.morrisons.com/webshop/product/Look-What-We-Found-Chilli-Con-Carne/357778011?from=search&tags=%7C105651&param=Look+What+We+Found&parentContainer=SEARCHlook+what+we+fo

www.ocado.com/search?entry=Look%20What%20We%20Found

www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=71098

Cous cous packs are something I keep loads of. Those tuna lunch things that are tinned as well.

I have an amazing microwaveable wotsit that makes an omelette. Shove in leftovers, or whatever you have, I cook up bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, leeks crack in 2 eggs and a sprinkle of cheese.
Lovely, healthy and fresh

Also tend to sell those Ainsley cous cous packets - they’re not bad.

*Aldi