Ham Musubis: A Healthier Lunch Option

I was first introduced to authentic Spam musubis by a Hawaiian classmate during my college years.  They have recently become a welcome change of pace for lunches in our household (since I like to eat things other than sandwiches).  Not only do ham musubis taste better than a peanut butter sandwich, they are also dairy and gluten free.

I haven't eaten actual Spam for a very long time.  I still remember exactly how it tastes, and I don't miss it at all.   Thankfully uncured ham works as a healthier stand-in for canned ham.  If you are curious and want to see a more authentic Hawaiian Spam musubi tutorial, head over to Serious Eats.

My simplified version has just three basic ingredients--no tinned meat or MSG required.

Ingredients for Ham Musubis

• cooked sushi rice, warm
• nori sheets (I used pre-cut snack-sized sheets--about 5 cm by 8 cm)
• uncured ham, sliced and cut to fit nori
• avocado slices, optional
• sea salt to taste, optional (mix into the rice)

Directions

In a small skillet, lightly fry the ham on both sides.  To assemble the musubis, place one sheet of nori seaweed on a plate, and layer cooked rice, then ham (and avocado, if using), then another layer of cooked rice.  Top with another sheet of nori.  Press layers together and eat musubis warm or at room temperature.

Note: The rice will dry out quickly, so keep the musubis tightly wrapped or in a sealed container until ready to serve.

I'm sharing this recipe at Pennywise Platter, Your Green Resource, 
Creative Bloggers' Party and Hop 
and This Week's Cravings.

What to Make for Lunch Besides a Sandwich

Recently, I decided to make homemade bread so I would not have to run out and buy more sliced bread.  While it is a noble and thrifty goal, getting myself to carve out three plus hours to make bread is an uncommon feat.  Especially since I lost the paddle to my bread machine more than a year ago.

So for the past week, my daily lunch dilemma has had the added difficulty of no sliced bread option.  This makes packing my husband's lunch quite challenging, since he usually takes an almond butter and jelly or some other kind of sandwich.

Nevertheless, I came up with a collection of lunch alternatives.

10 Lunches That Don't Require a Typical Loaf of Bread

1. Tortilla pizzas - We had these pizzas for lunch today.  Yes, I used homemade tortillas, but store-bought tortillas are fine too.

2. Fish tacos - We ate these tacos yesterday, using a leftover fish fillet.

3. Pasta salad - Another great way to combine whatever veggies and protein we happen to have.

4. Stuffed avocados - These are gluten free and delicious!



5. English muffin or pita sandwiches -
I like to keep English muffins in the freezer as a backup.

6. Crepes (also known as Swedish Pancakes) - Fill these with ham and cheese for a savory option.

7. Taco Salad - My cousin used to eat this almost every day--in peace, after her kids had their lunch.

8. DIY "Lunch-ables" - I make ours with cheese, meat, and crackers.  Avocado is a nice addition too.

9. Lettuce or cabbage wraps - I use a large leaf to wrap up whatever protein I have in the fridge.

10. Baked sloppy joes - This went into my husband's lunch bag today while it was still warm.

Though not as effortless as a sandwich, sometimes I would rather avoid the hassle of going out to buy bread ( I use mayonnaise when we're out of milk for the same reason).  And these lunches are not too messy to pack up for my husband or for me and my kid(s) if we're on the go.

If you were out of bread for the week, 
what would you make for lunch?

Linked to Top Ten Tuesday

Menu Plans for the Week of 3/22: Spring Break Edition

One of my daughters has Spring Break this Week.  Since we'll have four dining at home mid-day instead of three, I decided I should be more intentional with planning lunch.  Often I decide what we're eating then about 5 minutes beforehand.

So what's for dinner? You can see plans for one week here.  Here are the dinner plans for the second week.  These two weeks are being repeated until Easter.

Lunch Plans:

-Monday-

• Almond butter and jelly rolls

-Tuesday-

•  Waffles/ Crepes

-Wednesday-

• Sticky Rice with Peanuts, Egg Rolls

-Thursday-

• Out to eat with friends (at Chipotle)!

-Friday-

• Stuffed Avocados

Saturday-

• Carrot Ginger Soup, Broccoli Rolls