Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Peanut Dressing
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Rainbow Buddha Bowl Bliss!
Fancy a bowl that's like a hug from the inside? This Rainbow Buddha Bowl is just the ticket! It's packed with flavour, colour, and all things good.
It's one of my favourite easy cheap healthy meals .
What’s a Buddha Bowl Anyway?
Buddha Bowls are said to be named for their big, round bellies like Buddha's. These originated in Asian cuisines, emphasizing balance and harmony.
They're healthy bowl recipes lunch made easy, ready in under an hour. This recipe makes 2 generous servings, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Bowl
Honestly, what's not to love? This bowl is not only a nutritional powerhouse, but also so customisable! This is the perfect occasion for a vibrant lunch or dinner.
This recipe is special because it combines roasted sweetness, steamed greens, and a creamy peanut dressing. It is just one example from many plant based bowl ideas to explore.
Ready to dive into the ingredients? Let's go!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up this glorious Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Peanut Dressing. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, like easy cheap healthy meals .
This healthy bowl recipes lunch are a fab way to get more healthy foods in your diet, quick!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here’s a breakdown, folks. We are talking real food that can bring you amazing nourishing bowl recipes .
- Sweet Potatoes: 1 large (about 300g/10.5 oz). Look for firm ones without bruises.
- Broccoli: 1 head (around 300g/10.5 oz). Choose bright green, tight florets.
- Quinoa: 1 cup (200g/7 oz), rinsed.
- Chickpeas: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can , drained and rinsed.
- Avocado: 1 , sliced. Gotta have that creamy goodness!
- Cilantro: ¼ cup chopped (15 g/0.5 oz).
- Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons (15 g/0.5 oz), optional.
- Olive Oil: As needed. I use about 3 tablespoons total.
- Water: 2 cups (475 ml) for the quinoa, plus extra for the dressing.
For the cheap summer meals , this will be so quick to assemble, especially if you roast the vegetables in advance.
Seasoning Notes: That Oomph Factor
These spices really bring out the flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) for the sweet potatoes. Adds a smoky depth.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) for the chickpeas.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, but about ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) each per veggie batch.
- Peanut Butter: 3 tablespoons (45 ml), smooth or crunchy, your call! A plant based bowl ideas has to have peanut sauce, right?
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), freshly squeezed. So much brighter than bottled stuff!
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml), low sodium.
- Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
- Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch, optional. For a little kick!
Seriously, don't skip the lime juice. It makes the peanut dressing . And if you're after that umami flavor in your vegan bowl recipes, a dash of soy sauce is the way to go.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy kit for this grain bowl recipes . Here’s what I usually drag out:
- Baking Sheet: For roasting.
- Large Pot with Lid: For the quinoa.
- Medium Saucepan: Also for the quinoa. A balanced meal prep bowls is an easy and delicious dish.
- Whisk: For the dressing.
- Large Bowls: For serving.
A chopping board and sharp knife are essential. You could bake the sweet potatoes and chickpeas in an air fryer if you have one. It will be super quick!
So, gather your gear and let's get started! Next up, we'll get into the nitty gritty of how to actually make this Buddha bowl ingredients magic happen. You got this.
Rainbow Buddha Bowl Adventure: Let's Get Cooking!
Fancy something vibrant, filling, and good for ya? Then let's whip up a Rainbow Buddha Bowl! We are talking Easy Cheap Healthy Meals that look and taste amazing.
Trust me, even I, a self confessed kitchen klutz, can nail this one. Honestly, it's less "cooking" and more like "artfully arranging Healthy Foods in a bowl.
" But hey, the end result is pure magic.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
Alright, first things first: let's get organized. Chop that sweet potato into cubes. Get your broccoli into florets. Rinse that quinoa like your life depends on it.
Draining the chickpeas is super important, you don't want soggy chickpeas! This is our essential mise en place, all the stuff ready to go! Organization is key for any Healthy bowl recipes lunch , so get all the ingredients ready for use.
This is the way for Balanced meal prep bowls .
Roasting Those Veggies: Sweet 'Taters & Broccoli Brilliance
Time to unleash our inner pyromaniac, kinda. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Spread them on a baking sheet. Now, do the same with the broccoli florets. Use 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Then roast in a preheated oven. Sweet potatoes roast for 25- 30 minutes at 200° C ( 400° F) .
Steam broccoli until tender crisp. That takes around 5- 7 minutes . I always set a timer, because burn alert ! We do not want burnt vegetables here.
Crisp Chickpea Magic & Quinoa Queen
Okay, rinse and drain those chickpeas. Then toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Spread them on another part of the baking sheet and roast for 15- 20 minutes . You need to stir every few minutes until crispy.
Seriously, crispy chickpeas are life changing. Meanwhile, cook the quinoa! Combine 1 cup of quinoa, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes . Or until the liquid is gone.
The Grand Finale: Assembling the Rainbow
Now for the fun part: assembly! Fluff the quinoa. Divide it between two bowls. Then artfully arrange the roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, crispy chickpeas, and sliced avocado.
Drizzle with your gorgeous peanut dressing (3 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and water to thin) .
Garnish with ¼ cup of chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips & Tricks: Bowl Boss Status
- Roasting Hack: Make sure the veggies are spread out on the baking sheet. No overcrowding allowed, or they'll steam instead of roast. Bummer!
- Crispy Chickpea Secret: Don't skip the rinsing step. It gets rid of all the weird can juices.
- Peanut Dressing Perfection: If your peanut butter is stubbornly thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
This Rainbow Buddha Bowl is your ticket to a delicious, feel good meal. Plus, it's packed with nutrients. Whether you're aiming for Vegan bowl recipes , Plant based bowl ideas , or just want some Cheap Summer Meals , this bowl has got you covered.
So go on, get bowl ing!
Recipe Notes for Your Rainbow Buddha Bowl
Let’s talk details. These are my notes to guarantee success. Think of them as little cheat codes! They make this Rainbow Buddha Bowl shine. And trust me, it will shine!
Plating & Presentation: Level Up Your Bowl
Presentation matters, you know? Arrange ingredients artfully. Place colors next to each other. It makes it more appealing. Garnish is key. A sprinkle of sesame seeds? Chopped cilantro? Do it!
Consider complementary drinks. Iced green tea is a winner. It pairs so well with the flavors here. It’s one of my favorite cheap summer meals .
You can also add a side of kimchi. It’s a probiotic boost for your gut.
Storage Tips: Keep the Goodness Fresh
Got leftovers? No problem! Keep the cooked components separate. Store in airtight containers. They'll last in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing is good too!
Freezing isn’t ideal for the avocado or fresh greens, honestly. The cooked quinoa, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas freeze well. Store them for up to a month.
When reheating, microwave or pan-fry the veggies. Reheat quinoa until warmed. I usually toss them in a skillet!
Variations: Make it Your Own Masterpiece
One reason I love this bowl? It's super adaptable. Make it work for your lifestyle. It's not hard to find easy cheap healthy meals with a little ingenuity.
Need it gluten-free? No stress! Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Want to go low-carb? Swap the quinoa for cauliflower rice.
Nourishing bowl recipes are the best for this. Want a spicier kick? Try a dash of sriracha. Looking for more sweetness? Drizzle a little more maple syrup on your peanut dressing.
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body the Right Way
This Healthy bowl recipes lunch is packed with good stuff. We are talking fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. All important for your wellbeing!
Each serving has around 750 calories, 25g of protein, 40g of fat, 80g of carbohydrates, and a whopping 20g of fiber.
It is a balanced meal prep bowls ! This recipe is full of healthy foods . It is a party in your mouth with so many Buddha bowl ingredients ! Plus, this meal helps keep you full and energized!
This Vegan bowl recipes and plant based bowl ideas promote heart health. It’s also good for digestion, and provides steady energy.
It is full of complex carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes and quinoa. The dressing has healthy fats from the avocado and peanut butter.
It’s a win-win. I'm so excited for you to try this! These Grain bowl recipes will give you a great foundation for your eating plans! Enjoy the process of making this and even more the process of eating this masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep this Buddha bowl ahead of time like a proper Blue Peter presenter?
Absolutely! This Buddha Bowl is super meal prep friendly. Roast the veggies, cook the quinoa, and whip up the peanut dressing in advance. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble your bowl when you're ready to eat. It'll be ready faster than you can say "Here's one I made earlier!"
Help! My peanut dressing is thicker than treacle. How do I thin it out?
No worries, this happens often, especially with natural peanut butters! Just add water, one tablespoon at a time, and whisk well until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it's your bowl, so make it how you like it! You can also add a touch more lime juice for extra tang.
I’m not a massive fan of peanut butter. Can I still make this amazing bowl?
Of course! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent substitutes for peanut butter. You could also try a tahini based dressing with lemon juice and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness. Get creative and find a flavour profile that tickles your tastebuds!
What other veggies can I throw into my Buddha bowl? I'm feeling adventurous!
The beauty of a Buddha bowl is its versatility! Feel free to add any roasted or steamed veggies you fancy. Think roasted red peppers, Brussels sprouts, kale, or even some grilled asparagus. You could also add some raw veggies like shredded carrots, cucumber, or edamame for extra crunch and freshness.
How long will leftovers of this "Buddha bowl" last, and what's the best way to store them?
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's best to store the components separately (cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, dressing, etc.) to prevent them from becoming soggy. When you're ready to enjoy, simply assemble your bowl and drizzle with the dressing.
Just remember that avocado can brown, so add that fresh just before eating.
Is this Rainbow Buddha Bowl actually good for me? I feel like I'm being healthy, but is it too good to be true?
Yes, absolutely! This bowl is packed with nutrients. You've got complex carbs from the quinoa and sweet potato, healthy fats from the avocado and peanut butter, and plenty of vitamins and minerals from all the colourful vegetables. Plus, it's a good source of plant based protein.
So tuck in and enjoy the deliciousness, guilt free!
Rainbow Buddha Bowl With Peanut Dressing
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 20g |