We invited Get Ahead readers to share quick-fix office recipes with us -- easily-prepared foods that takes less than an hour to whip up before you head to work in the morning. We've been flooded with responses and as part of an ongoing series, present three lunch recipes that you can carry in your dabba.

First, Nithya sends us a recipe for Indian-style Macaroni/ Spaghetti:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 packet of macaroni/ spaghetti
• 3 cups of water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin (jeera)
• 1 chopped brown onion
• 1 chopped tomato
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp tumeric powder
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp pepper powder (optional)

Method of preparation:

• Boil the macaroni/ spaghetti with salt for 10-12 minutes as per instructions on the packet and drain away the water immediately.
• Take oil in a non-stick pan, once it is heated add cumin. After the cumin changes colour add onions and saute.
• Add tomatoes and stir until they become soft and blend nicely with the onions.
• Add all the powder and masala given. And add salt to taste. Stir for 1 minute.
• Add the macaroni/ spaghetti and cook for 2-3 mins. Finally add pepper powder and mix.  

Rekha Pande sent us two recipes. The first is for Egg Chops:

Ingredients

• 2 hard boiled eggs
• 2 large boiled potatoes
• 2 finely chopped green chillies
• 1/2 tsp garlic
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp mint leaves
• 1 tbspcoriander leaves
• 1 tbsp corn flour
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup cooking oil

Method of preparation:

• Boil two eggs, remove shell and keep aside.
• Boil two large potatoes, mash and mix thoroughly with all the ingredients. Ensure the mix is dry.
• Cover each egg with this mixture and shape it oval. Roll on a little refined flour (maida).
• Heat oil and fry in medium heat.
• Cut each into two halves and serve hot with tomato sauce.

The second is for Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches:

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bread
• 1 onion
• 1 boiled potato
• 1/2 cup coriander leaves
• 1/4 cup mint leaves (optional)
• 2 tbsp olives (optional)
• 3-4 green chilies
• Lemon Juice
• 2 pieces of ginger
• 1/2 cup grated coconut (fresh/ frozen)
• Salt

Method of preparation:

• Make a chutney of coriander, mint leaves, ginger, green chilies, tamarind, coconut and salt (without adding too much water).
• Apply a thick layer of chutney on one side of bread.
• Spread potato slices, onion and olives on it.
• Apply another thick layer of chutney on second slice.
• Keep the second slice with the chutney facing down on the first slice. Grill it in sandwich maker

Do you have any quick-fix preparations that you'd like to share with us and other readers? It has to be something appetising and easily whipped up (in under an hour). Simply mail in your tiffin recipe ideas to getahead@rediff.co.in and we'll publish them right here on rediff.com

Channel your inner chef and help people economise without compromising on their meals!