This Vibrant Vegan Buddha Bowl is a perfect balance of flavors and nutrients, making it an ideal meal for any time of the day. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a creamy tahini dressing, this bowl is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
For the Buddha Bowl:
- 1 cup of cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup of fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup of shredded red cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Tahini Dressing:
- 1/4 cup of tahini
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons of water (to thin the dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet.
- Season the chickpeas with ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are heated through and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Tahini Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the avocado and cucumber, julienne the carrot, and shred the red cabbage.
- Set all the vegetables aside for assembling the bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Buddha Bowl
- Start with a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa in a large bowl.
- Arrange the seasoned chickpeas, sliced avocado, julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, fresh spinach, and shredded red cabbage on top of the rice or quinoa.
- Drizzle the tahini dressing over the bowl.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the Buddha Bowl with sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of this wholesome meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Extra Protein: Add tofu or tempeh for an additional protein boost.
- Different Grains: Substitute brown rice or quinoa with farro, barley, or couscous for variety.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the tahini dressing for some heat.
This Vibrant Vegan Buddha Bowl is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing and delicious meal. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy dinner. Enjoy the beautiful array of colors and the delightful mix of flavors in this nutritious bowl. Happy cooking!
