When the leaves start turning bright colors and you start searching for your favorite sweater, you can be sure it’s time to get your kids ready to go back to school. For us, that leaves us on the hunt for healthy, homemade hot lunch ideas.
In addition to that list of school supplies, think about picking up a thermos. It’s the best way to send a hot, homemade lunch with your kids (or even your husband).
Use these recipes as a starting point to packing a hot lunch that they’ll be happy to take to school. All soups and stews work beautifully in a thermos!
I also love to make hot lunches in the slow cooker because it is a great time saver. You can be doing other things (like sleeping) while your child’s lunch is cooking. Another plus is that it’s piping hot when you’re ready to fill up your thermos!
Hot Lunch Idea: Slow Cooker Loaded with Veggies Mole Chili (gluten-free)
From Healthy Slow Cooking
Prep time: 15 minutes
Slow Cooker Size: 4 quart (double the recipe if using a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker)
Cooking Time: 6 to 8 hours
- 2 cans cooked kidney, black, or pinto beans (or 3 cups homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, minced
- 1 yellow squash, minced
- 1 small eggplant,minced
- 1 handful kale or other greens, chopped finely
- 1 handful mushrooms, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes (or 1 1/2 cups fresh)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered chilies (if your kids don’t like spicy foods use ancho chile powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest, finely grated (optional)
- 1 Tb cocoa powder (or 1 oz. grated unsweetened chocolate)
Prepare the veggies and then add everything to the slow cooker and cook 8 hours on low. Taste and add salt if needed.
Serve leftovers over steamed brown rice, in burritos or tacos, or just plain topped with fresh chopped cilantro.
More recipes that are perfect hot lunches:
- Ridiculously Easy Lentil and Vegetable Stew
- Pasta Fagioli
- Vegan Nacho Cheese Dip (send baked tortilla chips and veggies for dipping)
- Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
- Toasted Quinoa Mexican Soup
Image credit: H is for Home