Buddha bowls are a popular and easy way to create a nutritious and filling meal in a bowl. Typically vegetarian, Buddha bowls include a mixture of grains, vegetables, and proteins, allowing for endless delicious combinations. A step-by-step guide outlines how to choose a base, pick proteins, add veggies, mix in flavor, and assemble the bowl, including a recipe for a quinoa and chickpea bowl with roasted sweet potato, avocado, cilantro, and lime. Buddha bowls make for a healthy and tasty lunch option that can be customized to personal taste preferences.
Delicious Buddha Bowls: Creative and Nutritious Lunch Ideas
Introduction
Buddha bowls are becoming more and more popular because they’re an easy way to make a nutritious and filling meal in a bowl. Buddha bowls are typically vegetarian and include a mix of grains, vegetables, and proteins. With a variety of ingredient options, you can create an endless amount of delicious Buddha bowls.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a Base
The base of your Buddha bowl is typically a grain. Brown rice, quinoa, or farro are some of the most popular options. Cook the base according to the package instructions, and then set it aside.
Step 2: Pick Your Proteins
Next, choose your protein. If you’re vegetarian, you can incorporate tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. If you’re not a vegetarian, you can use grilled chicken or sliced steak. Cook your protein according to your preferred method.
Step 3: Add Some Veggies
Choose a variety of vegetables to add to your Buddha bowl. Roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed kale, avocado, and cherry tomatoes are some of my favorites. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and cook them according to your preferred method.
Step 4: Mix in Some Flavor
To make your bowl more flavorful, mix in some herbs and spices. Cilantro, basil, garlic, and ginger all add a ton of flavor to your Buddha bowl. You can also drizzle some dressing on top for added flavor.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl
Now it’s time to assemble your Buddha bowl. Start with a large bowl and add the cooked grain as the base. Then add the cooked protein, vegetables, and herbs. Drizzle some dressing on top and you’re done!
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 cup of cilantro
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of olive oil
- 1 lime
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel and chop the sweet potato into small cubes. In a bowl, mix together the sweet potato, garlic powder, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Heat them up in a pan with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Chop the avocado into small pieces and the cilantro into small pieces.
- Assemble the bowl starting with quinoa as the base, followed by the chickpeas, roasted sweet potato, avocado, and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice on top of the bowl and serve.
Conclusion
Buddha bowls are a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy a filling lunch. With a variety of bases, proteins, vegetables, and flavors to choose from, you can create an endless amount of combinations. Follow the step-by-step guide and recipe above or get creative and make your own Buddha bowl creation.