Hey Everyone! I am trying to make bentos that are under 250 calories (300 at absolute most) and was wondering if people had any ideas. Because I keep the calorie content so low my bentos tend to look a bit empty. Any tasty suggestions that would be nutritious, and pretty would be very appreciated. Thanks :)

One of my favorite things to include in a bento is a dip and some veggies, pita strips, crackers, etc. One can only eat so much hummus though, right? So I thought that if any of you out there are like me, we could post some of our favorite "different" dips. SPICY PEANUT DIP 1 cup NATURAL peanut butter (no ingredients other than peanuts, salt) 1/2 cup hot water 3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced 1 small minced red chili, or 1 tsp red pepper flakes, to taste 2 Tbsp seasoned rice vinegar (or regular rice vinegar plus 1 tsp sugar) 1 tsp ground black pepper

Like most wannabe chefs, I'll tinker with any recipe I've read elsewhere in a vain attempt to claim the dish as my personal creation. Rarely is this necessary with Maki's offerings, which more often than not, turn out to be as delicious as the pictures appear. With No.9 though, I think I've discovered something special 「まっ、ちょっと大げさですけど。つまない。」

I will mostly be eating my bentos at college where I won't have access to a microwave. I'm not really familiar with bento recipes yet and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for rice recipes that can be eaten cold or room temperature? Also if you have any good links for recipes I could look at that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!