Throughout the train journey, and despite the several cups of tomato soup and breadsticks, the mind couldn't ever stop thinking about the contents of the steel tiffin boxes our mothers lovingly packed. And while train journeys may have become easier, and its food fancier, the attachment to a hot, home-cooked meal packed by our caregivers with the hope we reach safely and full, has not weakened. But emotions are not all to it. While train food has improved significantly over the years, with a focus on providing the passengers with a nutritious fare, nothing trumps the reliability of homecooked meals to fuel us during our journey. Therefore, if you have a train journey approaching and have been searching for easy meal ideas, here are a few suggestions.
Wraps or Rolls
Not only are wraps or rolls filling, but they are also so versatile and delicious. Plus, they are simple to make and are loved by everybody. You can either make your wraps with chapatis or store-bought tortillas. Fill them with various flavorful fillings like grilled chicken, marinated vegetables, hummus, or paneer tikka. For example, you can marinate chicken in spices, grill it, and layer it with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of your favourite sauce. Similarly, you can roast vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, toss them in a tangy dressing, and roll them up. Wrap the wraps or rolls tightly in foil or cling wrap to keep them fresh and secure during your journey.
Egg Muffins
Protein-rich and delicious, egg muffins are an ideal food to pack when travelling. And the best part is that these bite-sized flavour bombs are extremely easy to make. All you need to do is whip eggs with chopped spinach, cheese, mushrooms, or any toppings of your choice, then pour the mixture into muffin tins, and bake until golden. These can be enjoyed at room temperature and provide a savoury and filling option for your train journey.
Pasta Salad
If you want something fun and indulgent, or if you are travelling with kids, pasta salad is the perfect option without compromising health. Since it is not slathered with rich sauces, it stays fresh and satisfies you without all the extra calories.
You can prepare a refreshing pasta salad with your choice of pasta, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then toss it with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, feta cheese, and herbs such as basil. To add flavour, create a zesty dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your preferred seasonings. Pack the pasta salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Stuffed Parathas
Parathas have long been the quintessential train food, and not without good reason. Apart from being delicious, they are filling, and when made with certain ingredients and less oil, they can be healthy too.
You can stuff your parathas with various fillings such as spiced mashed potato, paneer, or mixed vegetables. Knead the dough with wheat flour, roll it out, and stuff it with your desired filling. Cook the parathas on a hot griddle until they turn golden and flaky. Stuffed parathas are easy to carry and can be enjoyed as is or paired with pickle, yoghurt, or chutney for added flavours and textures. They provide a wholesome and satisfying meal option during your train journey and don't keep you feeling away from home.
Mason Jar Salads
If you want to pack something light and healthy, salads are great. However, it may not be the most convenient to carry it for a train journey. But that's not certainly true. The key is to pack it well, and storing them in mason jars is the best solution.
You can create convenient mason jar salads by layering your favourite salad ingredients. Start with the dressing at the bottom of the jar to prevent the greens from becoming soggy. Add sturdy vegetables like cucumbers or carrots, followed by layers of leafy greens such as lettuce or spinach. Top it off with protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken, roasted or boiled chickpeas or sauteed paneer. Seal the jar and pack it in a cooler bag if possible. When ready to eat, shake the jar to distribute the dressing and enjoy a fresh and crisp salad.
Energy Bites or Trail Mix
Often made by mixing peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and dried fruits and rolling them into tiny spheres, energy bites are a great way to ensure you snack healthy instead of binging on chips and other packaged foods. Since they are loaded with good fats and protein, snacking on one of our two spheres keeps you energetic and feeling full for a longer duration.
If you want to make less effort, then trail mix is a great option and has the same benefits. You can make your own trail mix by combining a variety of nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts, along with dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots. Add some chocolate chips or pretzels for a sweet and salty mix. Pack the energy bites or trail mix in portioned bags or containers for easy snacking throughout your journey.
Cover photo credit depositphotos.com