Buddha's Bowl 101: What is a Buddha Bowl and How to Make One

What is a Buddha Bowl?

A Buddha Bowl is essentially a bowl filled with a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients that are arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way. Buddha bowls are not only easy to make, but also a great way to pack in a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients into one meal. 

These ingredients typically include:

A base of whole grains (such as brown rice, quinoa, or farro)

A protein source (such as tofu, tempeh, chicken, or fish)

A variety of vegetables (such as leafy greens, roasted vegetables, or raw veggies like carrots or cucumber)

Healthy fats (such as avocado, nuts, or seeds)

A flavorful dressing (such as a tahini-based dressing or a vinaigrette)

The key is to use a mix of different textures, flavours, and colours to make the bowl visually appealing and satisfying.

Buddha Bowls have gained popularity in recent years due to their numerous health benefits. By incorporating a variety of whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins, Buddha Bowls offer a balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). They are also a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.

Another reason why Buddha Bowls are so popular is because they are highly customizable. You can swap out ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. For example, if you don't like tofu, you can use chicken or fish instead. If you don't have quinoa, you can use brown rice or another grain. The possibilities are endless.

How to Make a Buddha Bowl?

Making a Buddha Bowl is easy and doesn't require any special skills. Here's a basic formula to follow:

Choose a base: Start with a base of whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, or farro. Cook the grains according to package instructions.

Add a protein source: Choose a protein source such as tofu, tempeh, chicken, or fish. Cook the protein according to your preferred method.

Load up on veggies: Choose a variety of vegetables such as leafy greens, roasted vegetables, or raw veggies like carrots or cucumber. Wash and chop the veggies as needed.

Add healthy fats: Choose healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, or seeds. Toast the nuts or seeds for extra flavour and crunch.

Top it off with a dressing: Choose a flavorful dressing such as a tahini-based dressing or a vinaigrette. Drizzle the dressing over the bowl or serve it on the side.

Here's an example of a Buddha Bowl recipe: Quinoa Buddha Bowl with Avocado Dressing

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup cooked chickpeas

1 cup roasted sweet potatoes

1 cup kale, chopped

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup cashews, toasted

1/4 cup sunflower seeds, toasted

For the avocado dressing: 1 avocado, 1 garlic clove, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cook the quinoa and chickpeas according to package instructions.

(Roasted Sweet Potatoes)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, and then dice them into small cubes.
3. Toss the sweet potato cubes in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Place the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

(Avocado Dressing)

1. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
2. Add the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to the blender or food processor.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.

(Assembly)

1. Divide the cooked quinoa into two bowls.
2. Add the cooked chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes and chopped kale to each bowl.
3. Drizzle the avocado dressing over the top of each bowl.
4. Sprinkle the toasted cashews and sunflower seeds on top.
5. Place the sliced avocado on top of each bowl.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This Quinoa Buddha Bowl with Avocado Dressing is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Quinoa is high in protein, fibre and various vitamins and minerals, while chickpeas provide protein and fibre. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and fibre, and kale is a good source of vitamins C and K. The avocado dressing is a healthy fat that provides additional nutrients and adds a creamy texture to the dish.

Buddha bowls are not only easy to make, but also a great way to pack in a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients into one meal. You can customize your Buddha bowl with your favourite vegetables, grains and proteins. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations!