Soba White Bean Cucumber Lunch

Ingredients by component

Soba noodles

• 180 g egg-free soba noodles
• 5 ml sesame oil

Parsley white beans

• 300 g cooked white beans
• 15 g parsley
• 15 ml lemon juice
• 10 ml olive oil
• 1 g salt

Cucumber and pepper crunch

• 200 g cucumber
• 150 g red bell pepper
• 100 g carrots

Lemon tahini dressing

• 35 g tahini
• 25 ml lemon juice
• 35 ml water
• 1 g salt

Preparation and assembly

1. Cooked components can be prepared the evening before. Cool promptly in shallow containers and refrigerate; the preparation time excludes chilling before packing. Pack all components and dressings cold.
2. Soba noodles: Cook noodles according to the packet, usually 4–6 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
3. Soba noodles: Drain thoroughly, toss with sesame oil and chill before packing.
4. Parsley white beans: Rinse and drain beans. Toss gently with chopped parsley, lemon, oil and salt.
5. Parsley white beans: Chill for 15 minutes to let flavours combine.
6. Cucumber and pepper crunch: Halve cucumber, scoop out watery seeds and dice. Slice pepper into strips and carrot into thin sticks.
7. Cucumber and pepper crunch: Dry vegetables and pack separately from dressing to keep crisp.
8. Lemon tahini dressing: Mix tahini with lemon first; it will thicken. Gradually whisk in water until smooth and pourable.
9. Lemon tahini dressing: Add salt and seal in a small leakproof container for a packed lunch.
10. Divide between lunch containers: grains underneath, pulses and vegetables in separate sections, dressing in a small leakproof pot. Mix just before eating. This meal is intended to be eaten cold.

Tip

Prepare for the next working day. Refrigerate at 4°C or below, carry in an insulated bag with two cold packs and refrigerate on arrival. Add dressing just before eating.

Packed lunch food safety guidance