Build-Your-Own Buddha Bowl
"Buddha Bowls" have been rising in popularity with the ever-growing wellness trend (thank companies like Well + Good or mindbodygreen). But, they're really nothing new! Just a fancy word for a you-name-it dinner in a bowl. The great part is, they can be anything you're craving (or anything you have on hand) snuggled together in a warm, nourishing bowl of goodness. You just need a few key elements: grains, greens, protein, something soft and savory, something crunch, and sawce. Sky's the limit with what you could create from there! I literally make some sort of version of a buddha bowl at least once a week - sometimes more on busier weeks. This is probably the closest I get to a "30-minute meal" - so if that's your jam, tune in.
Build Your Bowl
Start With Grains:
This will serve as the warm, cozy bed of your bowl - choose wisely.
Jasmine or Basmati Rice
Brown Rice
Wild Rice
Couscous (personal fave) I like to use Near East - lots of yummy flavors
Farro
Quinoa
Risotto
Next Choose a Green:
Greens are a nice crisp & cool contract against the grains ("against the grain" LOL). I recommend not cooking or sautéing this element, but up to you.
Spinach
Arugula
Kale (squeeze some lemon juice on first to reduce the bitter flavor)
Mixed Greens
Collards
Romaine
Basil or other herbs
Shredded Iceburg (perfect for a mexi style bowl)
Pick Your Protein:
This step is pretty simple. Just remember protein does not have to be limited to meat (in fact, buddha bowls are an easy way to execute a solid, delicious #meatlessmonday meal)!
Tofu
Falafel
Beans (I love garbanzo and aduki, but any bean under the sun works)
Peas
Lentils (great for an Indian-inspired bowl)
Egg
Beyond Meats (the brats and ground "meat" are my favorite)
Chicken
Steak
Ground Turkey
Pork
Something Savory:
I typically gravitate toward my favorite roasted or pan-seared veggies here. This is the step you can really take this dish to flavor town with spices and oils.
Butternut squash
New potatoes or sweet potatoes
Broccoli/Broccolini
Asparagus
Brussel Sprouts
Carrots
Caramelized onions
Cauliflower
Leeks
Bell peppers
Okra
Green Beans (can also be used for the "crunch-factor" if you leave raw)
Give It Some Crunch:
You don't want to skip this step. The crunch factor is what brings the bowl full cirlce and takes it to the next level. Soft and crunchy together in your mouth is one of those magical "sweet n salty"-type combinations. I love it - it's a must.
Any type of nut (chopped)
Pumpkin seeds
Pepitas
Crispy shallots
SAUWCE!
Once your bowl is perfectly assembled, drizzle the whole thing with a sauce of choice. Whether homemade or store-bought, this is the finishing touch that will help all ingredients merge together like a symphony of flavor.
Tahini (try my maple tahini yogurt sauce)
Sriracha
Aioli
Salsa
Tzatziki
Baja Sauce (sour cream based spicy, tangy)
Sweet chili
Thai peanut
Cheese sauce
Honestly, I could go on and on here... you get the idea.
Now that your bowl is picture-perfect, lookin' like a Pinterest board, decide if you want any last minute finishing touches or garnishes. I like to add a few avocado slices, a soft-boiled egg, cilantro garnish, fresh cracked pepper, or sesame seeds depending on the route I went with my bowl this time.
And VOILA! May as well start stocking your fridge with coconut water and kombucha because you can now consider yourself a certified wellness guru, health nut.
Show me your buddha bowls on Insta! #buddhabowl and #mindfullymademeals
