Warm Harvest Grain Bowl
Fall flavors and produce are my absolute favorite, and squash season is upon us!
Grain bowls are an excellent way to get a nutrient dense, flavorful, high fiber, and high protein meal all while consuming a wide variety of plant foods! They can be very versatile and easy to prepare, making them an ideal lunch or dinner meal prep. You can change the types of dressings and sauces you use to change the flavor profile, or add various toppings like nuts and seeds, or switch up the protein type to create a wide variety of meals.
Ingredients:
1 cup Quinoa OR Lentils
I used orange lentils for this photo
1 purple sweet potato (diced)
1 cup cubed butternut squash or delicata squash
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 & 1/2 cup chopped kale
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
2 tbsp crumbled goat cheese
1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tbsp 100% pure maple syrup
OPTIONAL - Cooked chicken thighs or turkey deli meat
to increase protein
Maple Vinaigrette Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tbsp 100% pure maple Syrup
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
salt & pepper (to taste)
1/8 tsp sweet paprika
For more creamy dressing - Add a spoonful of plain greek yogurt!
Directions:
Prepare the Quinoa or Lentils according to package directions.
To increase protein and collagen, you can prepare the quinoa or lentils with Bone Broth in place of water, or do half water, half bone broth.
Once cooked, set aside
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Melt coconut oil.
In a large mixing bowl, add the purple sweet potato, squash, chickpeas, coconut oil, and all spices (garlic, onion, paprika, salt, pepper). Coat everything well and evenly.
Spread oiled and seasoned vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Be sure to mix the veggies around half way through. Then set aside.
Add all dressing ingredients into a bowl or mason jar and mix until well combined. Set aside.
When ready to assemble your bowls:
Add quinoa or lentils to the bottom of the bowl
Then add the kale and roasted veggies (sweet potato, squash and chickpeas)
Lastly, add the shredded beet, goat cheese, and pumpkin seeds/ sunflower seeds
Pour the Maple Vinaigrette Dressing over the bowl, mix, and enjoy!
To increase the protein, you can also add chicken, sliced deli turkey, ground turkey, etc.
For quick lunches, I often add sliced turkey lunch meat to mine as its easy and quick!
Grain Bowl Nutritional Label (without chicken)
Maple Vinaigrette Dressing Nutritional Label (without greek yogurt)
