7 lunch recipes for workdays at home or the office - The Washington Post

I’ll be the first to admit that lunch often gets short shrift in my meal-planning. I’m so fixated on making sure dinners are covered for the whole family that I often don’t have the time or energy to get my act together for lunch. And working from home has put me in the weird position of not feeling the urgency to prep something to brown-bag and also not having lots of takeout options within a block or two.

So what happens? I grumble a bit and then whip up a lunch from scratch each day, which is sometimes a nice treat but frequently a drag, especially if it’s a recipe testing day in the home kitchen.

I’m sure I’m not alone in not properly planning for lunch. But we can do better, friends. Here are a few easy, make-ahead recipes for the midday meal, whether you’ve returned to the office or are still working from home.

Muhammara (Syrian Red Pepper and Walnut Dip). I’m all about having dips on hand to eat with whatever bread or vegetables I have at home. They’re no problem to transport to the office, too. This hearty, slightly tart dip assembled in the food processor would make for a nice mezze platter with another dip or two, such as five-minute hummus or herbed yogurt, pita wedges and crudites. For bonus points, pair those with the baked falafel.

Sheet Pan Frittata. You’ll only need about 10 minutes to prep this dish that works just as well for lunch as it does breakfast. Add your favorite vegetables or cheese for a custom creation, and then feel free to enjoy the leftovers warm or at room temperature, served with a salad or in a sandwich. Feeling fancy? Quiche is another make-ahead option.

Spicy Beef Lettuce Wraps With Oyster Sauce. This speedy recipe comes together in 20 minutes. If you invest that time, you’ll be rewarded with a few days of exciting lunches for which you need only reheat the beef, if desired, and prep a few lettuce leaves.

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