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Lunch recipe

Harissa Carrot Lentil Rice Boxes with Mint and Cucumber

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Vegan lunch boxes with harissa-roasted carrots, green lentils, basmati rice, cucumber, spinach, mint, and lemon.

Start planningStart cookingIngredients
40 min520 kcal4 base servingsLunchVeganMeal PrepRice boxesFilling Lunch
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Recipe and nutrition estimates

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Focus ingredients: green lentils, carrots, basmati rice, mild harissa paste

Dietary fit: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Lower Sugar

Serving tip: Pack lemon wedges separately if making ahead, then squeeze over just before eating to keep the boxes bright.

Harissa Carrot Lentil Rice Boxes with Mint and Cucumber plated and ready to serve.

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Ingredients

What you need

  • 2 tins green lentils
  • 260g basmati rice
  • 5 carrots
  • 1 cucumber
  • 100g spinach
  • 15g fresh mint
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp mild harissa paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

You'll also need

baking tray, saucepan, sieve, mixing bowl, knife, chopping board

Method

Step by step

Up to 8 clear steps
  1. Harissa Carrot Lentil Rice Boxes with Mint and Cucumber cooking step 1: Prep the carrots.
    Step 1

    Prep the carrots

    Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan. Cut the carrots into slim batons, drain and rinse the green lentils, rinse the basmati rice, dice the cucumber, and roughly chop the mint leaves.

    10 min
  2. Harissa Carrot Lentil Rice Boxes with Mint and Cucumber cooking step 2: Roast the carrots.
    Step 2

    Roast the carrots

    Toss the carrots on a baking tray with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the mild harissa paste, ground cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until the carrots are tender and lightly charred at the tips.

    25 min
  3. Harissa Carrot Lentil Rice Boxes with Mint and Cucumber cooking step 3: Cook the rice.
    Step 3

    Cook the rice

    Put the rinsed rice in a saucepan with 390ml water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over a low heat for 10 to 12 minutes until absorbed. Turn off the heat and leave covered for 5 minutes.

    17 min
  4. Harissa Carrot Lentil Rice Boxes with Mint and Cucumber cooking step 4: Dress the lentils.
    Step 4

    Dress the lentils

    Whisk the lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 tablespoons water in a large bowl. Stir in the lentils, spinach, cucumber, and most of the mint, then taste and add a little more black pepper if needed.

    6 min
  5. Harissa Carrot Lentil Rice Boxes with Mint and Cucumber cooking step 5: Build the rice boxes.
    Step 5

    Build the rice boxes

    Fluff the rice and divide it between four bowls or lunch boxes. Spoon the lemony lentil salad over one side and keep the cucumber visible for crunch.

    4 min
  6. Harissa Carrot Lentil Rice Boxes with Mint and Cucumber cooking step 6: Finish with carrots and mint.
    Step 6

    Finish with carrots and mint

    Top the boxes with the harissa carrots, spoon over any roasting juices from the tray, and scatter with the remaining mint. Add an extra squeeze of lemon just before eating if you have it.

    3 min