This Buddha Bowl Delight is a warm, colorful mix of roasted veggies, grains, and tasty toppings that scream fall! It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for the season.
I love how you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those healthy bites while feeling very satisfied! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Quinoa: A mix of white and red quinoa adds color and texture. If you’re short on one type, any cooked grain like brown rice or farro can substitute well. Both are hearty and nutritious.
Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash: These two vegetables give sweetness and warmth. If you can’t find these, try using regular potatoes or carrots instead. They roast nicely and bring flavor.
Chickpeas or Tofu: Both are excellent protein sources. For a quicker option, canned chickpeas work just as well. You can also swap in lentils or even grilled chicken for variety.
Pomegranate Seeds: These add a pop of color and freshness. If they’re out of season, try using cranberries or raisins for a similar sweetness.
Tahini: Essential for the dressing, but if you’re allergic or don’t have it, other nut butters like almond or sunflower seed butter can be tasty alternatives.
How Do I Roast Vegetables Perfectly?
Roasting veggies is key for that sweet, caramelized flavor! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven to a solid 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Cut veggies into similar sizes so they cook at the same pace.
- Toss them in olive oil and season them well with salt, pepper, and spices. Don’t be shy with your seasoning—it makes all the difference.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Crowd them, and they’ll steam instead of roast!
- Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly. Aim for a total roasting time of around 25-30 minutes.
These tips will help you achieve perfectly roasted veggies: wonderfully golden and full of flavor for your Buddha Bowl Delight!
Celebrate Fall with Buddha Bowl Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cooked red quinoa (optional, or mix with white quinoa)
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas or roasted spiced tofu cubes
- 1/2 cup cooked beets, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded Brussels sprouts or shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups fresh arugula or mixed greens
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tbsp granola or toasted oats for crunch
- Olive oil (for roasting)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ground cumin and smoked paprika for roasting veggies
For the Tahini Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 2-4 tbsp water (to thin)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Buddha Bowl takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 30 minutes for roasting the veggies. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes in the kitchen, which is well worth it for a colorful and nutritious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your veggies will roast perfectly!
2. Roast the Veggies:
Grab a mixing bowl and toss the cubed sweet potato and butternut squash with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
3. Prepare the Quinoa:
While the veggies are roasting, prepare your quinoa according to the package instructions if it’s not already cooked. Once it’s done, let it cool down a bit.
4. Roast Chickpeas or Tofu:
If you’re using chickpeas or tofu, roast them separately on another baking sheet with similar spices or your favorite seasoning blend until they’re crispy, about 20 minutes.
5. Make the Tahini Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and gradually add water until the dressing reaches your desired consistency—smooth and pourable.
6. Prepare the Veggies:
Shred the purple cabbage and Brussels sprouts using a grater or food processor for ease. This will add a nice crunch to your bowl.
7. Assemble Your Bowl:
Start by placing a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens in each serving bowl. This is the base that will hold all your tasty ingredients!
8. Add Your Ingredients:
Arrange the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potato and butternut squash, chickpeas or tofu, shredded purple cabbage, shredded Brussels sprouts, sliced beets, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds in sections or piles on top of the greens.
9. Add Crunchy Toppings:
Finish by sprinkling pumpkin seeds and granola or toasted oats on top for that satisfying crunch.
10. Drizzle the Dressing:
Generously drizzle the tahini dressing over your entire bowl. The creaminess will blend beautifully with all the flavors!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and the wonderful contrasts of textures and flavors. This bowl is a celebration of fall in every bite!
With its vibrant vegetables, crunchy toppings, and creamy dressing, the Buddha Bowl Delight is an inviting dish that captures the essence of autumn beautifully. Enjoy your deliciously colorful meal!
Can I Use Different Grains Besides Quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa is a great base for this bowl, you can easily substitute it with brown rice, farro, or even couscous. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the grain you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that your tahini dressing is made without honey. You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a sweetener for a completely plant-based dish.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the greens and crunch of the toppings.
Can I Roast the Vegetables Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roast the vegetables a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat them slightly before assembling the bowl to enjoy them warm and cozy.