As a vegan chef, I am passionate about creating recipes that are both delicious and nutritious. One of my favorite types of dishes to make is a grain bowl, which is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of day. In this article, I will be sharing some of my favorite harvest grain bowl recipes, which are perfect for the fall season.
What is a Grain Bowl?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about what exactly a grain bowl is. At its core, a grain bowl is a dish made up of a variety of ingredients that are layered on top of a base of grains. These ingredients can include vegetables, proteins, sauces, and more, and the possibilities for customization are endless. Grain bowls are a great option for vegans because they are easy to make, packed with nutrients, and can be customized to fit any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Choosing the Right Grains
The first step in making a delicious harvest grain bowl is choosing the right grains for your base. Some of my favorite options include brown rice, quinoa, barley, and farro. These grains are all hearty and filling, and they provide a great base for your other ingredients. When cooking your grains, be sure to follow the package instructions carefully to ensure that they are properly cooked and fluffy.
Adding Vegetables and Proteins
Once you have your grains cooked and ready to go, it’s time to start adding your other ingredients. For a harvest grain bowl, I like to focus on seasonal vegetables that are readily available in the fall. Some of my favorites include roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash. I also like to add some protein to my bowls, and some great vegan options include tofu, tempeh, and chickpeas.
Creating a Flavorful Sauce
One of the keys to a great grain bowl is a flavorful sauce. For my harvest grain bowls, I like to make a maple tahini dressing that is both sweet and savory. To make the dressing, simply whisk together some tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and water until smooth. You can also add some garlic, ginger, or other spices for extra flavor.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of making a grain bowl, let’s get into the recipes. These harvest grain bowls are perfect for fall and are sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Bowl
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into cubes
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups kale, chopped
– Maple tahini dressing
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potato cubes, chickpeas, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are golden brown and tender.
4. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare your quinoa according to the package instructions.
5. In a separate pan, sauté the kale until wilted.
6. To assemble the bowl, spoon the quinoa into a bowl and top with the roasted sweet potato and chickpea mixture and the sautéed kale.
7. Drizzle the maple tahini dressing over the top and serve immediately.
Butternut Squash and Tempeh Bowl
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked farro
– 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes
– 1 package tempeh, cut into cubes
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups spinach, chopped
– Maple tahini dressing
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the butternut squash cubes, tempeh, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the butternut squash is golden brown and tender.
4. While the butternut squash and tempeh are roasting, prepare your farro according to the package instructions.
5. In a separate pan, sauté the spinach until wilted.
6. To assemble the bowl, spoon the farro into a bowl and top with the roasted butternut squash and tempeh mixture and the sautéed spinach.
7. Drizzle the maple tahini dressing over the top and serve immediately.
Conclusion
Harvest grain bowls are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. By choosing hearty grains, seasonal vegetables, and flavorful sauces, you can create a bowl that is filling, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. These recipes are just a starting point, and you can feel free to mix and match ingredients to find your perfect combination. Give these recipes a try and see how delicious and easy vegan cooking can be.