Bright, nutrient-dense, and incredibly versatile, Harissa Spiced Grain Bowls can be eaten morning, noon, or night.

Strong, well-balanced flavor: cumin and coriander offer earthy warmth, chilli spice adds smoky notes, and harissa adds smoky notes. It is pleasing and lively without being heavy.

Extremely flexible: Easily adapted to dietary requirements; substitutes include vegetables (squash, broth, carrots), proteins (chickpeas, tofu, chicken, shrimp), and grains (quinoa, farro, rice).

Meal prep friendly: It’s easy to roast in bulk, stores well, and makes as delicious midweek lunches when reheated.

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Basic Harissa‑Spiced Grain Bowl Recipe
Serves 4

Ingredients
Veggies & Chickpeas

2 cups sweet potato or butternut squash, cubed

1 head of cauliflower florets or mixed vegetables (couragettes, aubergines)

1 can chickpeas, drained

2–3 Tbsp harissa paste (adjust for heat)

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika or curry powder, salt & pepper to taste

Grains & Toppings

2 cups cooked grain (quinoa, farro, bulgur, rice)

Optional: feta or goat’s cheese, herbs (cilantro, parsley, mint), pine nuts/sunflower seeds

Sauce (choose one)

Herby yogurt sauce: Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, fresh dill/cilantro.


Tahini drizzle: Tahini + lemon juice + water ± garlic/salt.

Harissa honey dressing: Harissa + some olive oil + one lemon juice + a bit of honey.


Directions
Preheat oven ➝ 200 °C (400 °F).

Toss veggies & chickpeas with harissa, spices, oil, salt, and pepper.

Roast on a lined tray for 30–40 min, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

Cook grains as per packet (quinoa ~12 min, farro/ bulgur ~15 min).

Blend sauce ingredients until smooth.

Assemble: layer grain, top with roasted veggies/chickpeas, drizzle sauce, sprinkle cheese, nuts, herbs.

Variations & Add‑Ins
Protein: Chicken breast strips (harissa‑spiced, pan‑fried) for a meaty boost

Legumes: Crisp roasted lentils tossed with paprika for extra crunch

Try carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and courgette as vegetable substitutes.

Sauces: Chimichurri-tahini, harissa-yoghurt, garlic‑tahini‑maple—all add depth


Why It’s a Great Investment
Flavor-packed health: Combines vibrant veg, fiber-rich grains, and versatile sauces—ideal for clean eating.

Time-saver: Prep once, eat well all week—ideal for busy schedules.

Budget-friendly: Plant-forward bowls stretch ingredients and save you money over time.

Crowd-pleaser: Mix and match versions to please everyone at the table.

Quick Meal‑Prep Tips
Roast big trays of veggies + chickpeas at once and portion them.

Cook grains in bulk and store in the fridge.

Keep sauces separate until serving to preserve texture.

Bowls stay great 4–5 days in the fridge—freeze extras for up to 3 months.

A tasty, wholesome, and adaptable staple that is well worth the investment are these Harissa Spiced Grain Bowls. A few pantry staples and in-season produce can open up a world of delicious dinners that are easy to prepare, beautiful to serve, and completely customisable.