If you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these Vegan Buddha Bowl recipes are a delicious place to start. Packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty grains, and flavorful dressings, each bowl is a feast for the senses. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, these bowls offer a satisfying and nourishing experience without any animal products. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to meal!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Toss sweet potato pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on the baking sheet. Roast them for about 20 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown color.
- Thinly slice the radishes into rounds, ideally using a mandoline for precision, and use a vegetable peeler to create carrot ribbons. Mix the radish slices, carrot ribbons, and shredded cabbage with a squeeze of lemon juice, then set aside.
- Place kale leaves in a large bowl, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a few pinches of salt. Use your hands to massage the kale until the leaves become soft and wilted, reducing in volume by about half.
- In individual serving bowls, arrange the cooked brown rice, chickpeas, massaged kale, carrot ribbons, radish slices, cabbage, roasted sweet potatoes, sauerkraut, and any optional toppings like sesame seeds or microgreens.
- Season the assembled bowls with salt and pepper to taste, and serve each with a generous drizzle of Turmeric Tahini Sauce.
Ingredients
- Turmeric tahini sauce
- Sweet potatoes, roasted
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Watermelon radish, thinly sliced
- Rainbow carrots, peeled into ribbons
- Red cabbage, shredded
- Lemon, for squeezing
- Kale leaves
- Brown rice
- Chickpeas
- Sauerkraut
- Sesame seeds
- Microgreens (optional)
FAQ
- What is a Buddha Bowl and where did the name come from?
- A Buddha Bowl is a vibrant, nutrient-rich dish typically filled with grains, legumes, vegetables, and flavorful sauces. The name is believed to originate from the way Buddha collected food offerings in a large bowl, gathering small portions from villagers.
- What are the essential components of a Buddha Bowl?
- A traditional Buddha Bowl includes a grain (such as brown rice), a legume (like chickpeas), a variety of cooked and raw vegetables, leafy greens, a pickled vegetable, and a delicious sauce to bring everything together.
- Can I customize the ingredients in my Buddha Bowl?
- Absolutely! You can swap the veggies, such as replacing sweet potatoes with roasted squash, or try different proteins, grains, or sauces. Feel free to experiment with ingredients like quinoa, tofu, or a peanut sauce to suit your taste.
- How can I prepare a Buddha Bowl in advance?
- You can meal prep by storing the components separately in the fridge. Roast your veggies, cook your grains, and prepare your sauces ahead of time, then assemble your bowl when you’re ready to eat.
- What are some alternative pickled options if I don’t have sauerkraut?
- If sauerkraut is unavailable, you can use pickled red onions or jalapeños for a tangy twist in your Buddha Bowl.
Tips
- Roasting Tips: When roasting sweet potatoes, ensure they are evenly coated with olive oil, salt, and pepper to achieve a golden brown finish. Spreading them out on the baking sheet prevents steaming and promotes caramelization.
- Prepare Vegetables Efficiently: Use a mandoline for slicing radishes into thin rounds, and a vegetable peeler to create carrot ribbons. This not only saves time but also ensures uniformity in texture and appearance.
- Massage the Kale: To enhance the flavor and tenderness of kale, massage it with lemon juice and salt until it softens and reduces by about half. This step makes the greens more palatable and flavorful.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preference or availability. For instance, replace brown rice with quinoa or farro, or try different proteins like lentils or crispy tofu. You can also experiment with various sauces such as peanut sauce or cilantro lime dressing for a new twist.
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – To thinly slice the radish into rounds.
- Vegetable Peeler – For peeling the carrots into ribbons.
- Large Baking Sheet – For roasting the sweet potatoes.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet for roasting.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For massaging the kale and assembling the bowl components.
