Lia’s bento no. 1
Most days I bring my own lunch from home. It’s cheaper and tastier than eating out in cafés, and as a vegan I don’t always find the variety I would like. It is also a way to make good use of leftovers. I use several containers for my lunches but my favorite is a two level bento box I got from Japan: very fashionable and also very handy!!
In this case I filled the bento box with a simple wholewheat pasta with leek and tomato sauce, and some mixed veggies as a side dish.
Leek and tomato sauce (serves 2)
1/2 onion
Tomato sauce
2-3 leeks
olives
capers
extravirgin olive oil
Chop finely the onion and leeks and slightly fry them in a little oil. When they’re tender add the tomato sauce, olives and caper and let simmer for a while (depending on how watery the sauce is and how thick you like it).
Sautéed vegetables and artichokes (serves 1)
1 carrot
2-3 celery stalks
1/2 onion
2 small artichokes
extra-virgin olive oil
salt
parsley
Cut the carrot, celery and onion in small pieces or cubes. Clean the artichokes, cut them in very thin slices and place them in cold water with a bit of lemon juice. Heat a non-stick skillet with oil and slightly fry the carrot-celery-onion mix. After a few minutes add the artichokes and salt, and cook for half an hour or until tender. Add water if needed. When cooked, sprinkle with chopped parsley. Lower the dose of the carrot-celery-onion mix, if you want the artichoke flavor to prevail.
I very much like your lunch box! very fresh indeed