Quinoa Buddha Bowl: A Nourishing Veggie-Packed Delight
Ever found yourself staring at your fridge, wondering how to turn those random veggies into something delicious? Say hello to your new best friend: the Quinoa Buddha Bowl!
This isn’t just another salad, folks. It’s a hearty, customizable feast that’ll have you feeling like a culinary genius. Plus, it’s so damn pretty, you’ll want to snap a pic before diving in.
Let’s get cracking, shall we?
KEY INFO:
Prep time: 15-30 minutes (depending on how fancy you’re feeling)
Cook time: 15-35 minutes
Total time: 30-60 minutes
Servings: 2-4 (or just you, if you’re really hungry)
Difficulty level: Easy peasy to moderately challenging
Dietary tags: Vegetarian, vegan-friendly, gluten-free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
• Medium pot (for quinoa)
• Cutting board and knife (unless you’re a wizard)
• Medium-sized pan
• Baking sheet (for roasted veg lovers)
• Small jar (for shaking up that dressing)
• Fork (for fluffing quinoa like a pro)
• Spatula
Don’t have a fancy steamer? No worries! A colander over a pot of boiling water works just fine.
INGREDIENTS:
For the bowl:
• 1 cup (185g) quinoa, rinsed
• 1 large red or yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled into ribbons
• 2 heaping cups (60g) spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional, but highly recommended)
For the dressing:
• 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice
• 2 tbsp (30ml) tahini
• 1 tbsp (15ml) water
• 1 tsp (5ml) soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Pinch of cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy)
Spices:
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika to taste
METHOD:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Aim for fluffy, separate grains.
2. While the quinoa’s doing its thing, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Toss in those peppers and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re starting to soften but still have some bite. For more ideas on vibrant Buddha bowls, check out the Vibrant Buddha Bowl with Sweet Potato Tahini Drizzle.
4. Add chickpeas to the pan, give it a stir, and cook for another 2 minutes to warm them through.
5. Just before serving, throw in the spinach and let it wilt for about 30 seconds.
6. Now, let’s whip up that dressing. In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients and shake it like you mean it. Want a different spin with Mediterranean flavors? Try the Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl.
7. Time to assemble! Divide the quinoa between bowls, top with your veggie-chickpea mix, and drizzle with that zesty dressing.
8. Crown your creation with avocado slices if you’re using them.
CRUCIAL TIPS:
• Rinse your quinoa! It gets rid of the bitter coating. Need another quinoa idea? Check out Quinoa Stuffed Peppers for a creative twist.
• Don’t overcook your veggies – we want some crunch!
• Taste your dressing and adjust. Too thick? Add water. Not zingy enough? More lemon!
STORAGE AND SCALING:
• Leftovers? Lucky you! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For more veggie-packed bowl ideas, try our Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl.
• Feeding a crowd? Double or triple everything, but cook the quinoa in batches.
COMMON MISTAKES:
• Soggy quinoa: Drain it well and fluff with a fork.
• Bland bowl: Don’t skimp on the spices or dressing! For extra zing, roasted chickpeas add a flavorful punch! Check out our Roasted Chickpea Salad.
VARIATIONS:
• Greek-style: Add cucumber, tomatoes, and a dollop of hummus.
• Roasted veggie lover: Swap the sautéed veg for roasted sweet potatoes and kale.
• Protein boost: Top with a poached egg or grilled tofu for extra nourishment. For hearty alternatives, our Lentil and Mushroom Loaf is a must-try.
Look, I get it. Sometimes cooking feels like a chore. But trust me, this Quinoa Buddha Bowl is worth the effort. It’s like a warm hug for your insides, packed with all the good stuff your body craves.
And here’s a little secret: it’s pretty much impossible to mess up. Forgot the carrots? No biggie. Only have kale instead of spinach? Throw it in! This bowl is all about using what you’ve got and making it work. If you’re looking to pair this recipe with a classic comfort food, try our Vegetarian Pot Pie.
