Lunch in a crunch: Simple dishes featuring the humble cheese slice

When budgets are tight, the packing lunch box often takes a hit. But who says you can’t have an exciting midday meal without the price tag?

Coles ambassador Courtney Roulston has some simple ways to elevate your lunch break, and maybe even make your coworkers a little jealous, too.

Reuben Toastie

Makes 2 toasties

Ingredients

• 4 slices light rye sourdough bread
• 60g butter, room temperature
• 8 slices cooked corned beef or Pastrami
• 6 x Bega cheese slices
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained

For the dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 2 teaspoons gherkin relish
• 1 tablespoon onion, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce (ketchup)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon horseradish

Method

1. Mix all the Russian dressing ingredients and set aside.
2. Butter the four outside slices of bread, then flip over.
3. Spread a little of the Russian dressing onto the bottom side of the unbuttered bread, then add in the corned beef.
4. Top with the cheese slices, sauerkraut and a spoonful of the Russian dressing.
5. Top with the bread butter side up, then heat up a large frying pan to a medium heat.
6. Place the sandwiches into the pan and cook for two minutes on each side, or until golden and the cheese is melty.
7. Slice and serve warm.

Rainbow Veg & Cheese Wraps

Makes 2 wraps

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large soft tortilla wraps
• 2/3 cup Hummus
• 4 strips leafy greens (Lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, Tuscan kale all work)
• 4 slices Bega cheese
• 1 large carrot, peeled, grated
• 1 large Lebanese cucumber, sliced into long batons
• ½ large red capsicum, seeded, sliced into strips
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 4 slices tinned beetroot, drained
• ½ large avocado, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Place the tortillas onto a clean surface and spread the hummus down the centre.
2. Add the greens, then top with the cheese slices.
3. Arrange the carrot, cucumber, capsicum, cabbage, beetroot and avocado.
4. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then roll the wrap up so it is secure.
5. Slice in half and serve.

Courtney Roulston regularly presents Cooking with Coles on Sunrise

Watch Sunrise from 5.30am weekdays and Weekend Sunrise from 7am Saturday and Sunday or catch up anytime on 7plus.