Living in Japan, I fell in love with bento. Riding the bullet train, it was a treat to get bento. What the heck is that? It’s this: lunch in a box. It’s the Japanese version of a lunchbox, only over the top in some cases. I love looking at them, choosing the exact right one for the trip. The Japanese believe you eat as much with your eyes as you do with your other senses. So hey, why not make it attractive?
They come in all sizes, shapes, and menu variations (my favorite one is salted salmon). It’s a special treat I thoroughly enjoy when we visit Japan. I love all the little salads, pickles, veggies and ways they display things. It’s inspiring, and quite tasty.
Lately, I’ve seen a rise in interest for bento in the USA. It’s awesome! Blogs about bento have sprouted up and cookbooks are finding their way to bookshelves and e-readers. It’s all so fun, but sometimes I wonder if the overdone boxes are intimidating for busy parents packing up a lunch that will carry their little ones through the day.
There are plenty of overly cute, overdone and complicated bento lunches out there. Do I think they’re cute? Oh yes, I sure do. Do I secretly wish I had such talent? Um, of COURSE. But will it stop me from making it, because I just can’t measure up? Yes it will. So I keep it simple. A veggie or two, some protein, a little carb, and fruit my elementary schooler will be sure to eat.
To make you feel better about yourself, here’s some actual bentos I have made:
This one is a “side” bento. I make these when I want to get everything on the side, of a sandwich or other main, into one tiny space. Yes, it’s clear my lil’ one likes carrots. This was one from summer, as the raspberries are gorgeous (despite my mediocre photography skills).
Ok, clearly I’m not winning any food competitions here. But, what I am trying to do is give my kiddo a lunch he’ll eat, and that I’ll feel good about. I want an empty box when he comes home. That’s winning right there.
Here are my best 5 tips for making bento. It’s easy, promise:
- Keep it simple. Seriously, don’t overdo it. Do what you know, and build from there. Use an existing food container you already have in your drawer, or get one of those cool boxes. Simple.
- Use up leftovers. I even make extra, so I have leftovers to make lunches with. (Easy button!)
- Make it colorful. Think of things that go naturally together. Make it fun to open and eat. Small bits of fruit or veg are easy pops of color.
- Use whole, real foods. Cut up some fruit, throw in some berries, carrots or even nuts. Yum!
- Use cupcake liners to keep everything in its place. You can even try the silicone ones you can reuse (that’s what I’ve used in the pic above.)
Bonus Tip: Let the kiddos help! Give them a couple choices or even let them put it together. Could be fun!
Here’s a few resources you might like:
Check out my “Lunch-y Love” Pinterest Board. (Yes, some are crazy, but some are quite doable!)
Lisa at 100DaysofRealFood.com has been posting her kids’ lunches. They are quite doable!
Cookbook author, Debra Samuels, gives her tips on making bento
Feeling uninspired? Put one of these “bento” books on your holiday wish list.
So, do YOU make bento? Do you make it for yourself or others? If so, what’s your secret?
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(Psst... See something inappropriate or unhealthy? Please let me know.)
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