Looking for a vibrant and nourishing meal that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning? Say hello to the Buddha Bowl with Peanut Dressing! This vegan delight is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrients, combining fluffy quinoa, colorful veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish. Ready to elevate your meal game? Dive into this wholesome bowl of goodness that promises to satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Water to thin dressing
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and preserve color.
- Slice red bell pepper into thin strips and shred carrot using a box grater or food processor.
- For the peanut dressing, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, and lime juice in a small bowl. Add water gradually to thin the dressing to a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Divide quinoa evenly among 4 serving bowls, creating a base layer.
- Arrange cooked chickpeas, steamed broccoli, sliced bell peppers, and shredded carrots on top of the quinoa in sections.
- Drizzle peanut dressing generously over each bowl just before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions for additional flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes the saponins that can give it a bitter taste, ensuring a deliciously nutty flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand! Spinach, sweet potatoes, or avocado would make delightful additions.
- Perfect Peanut Dressing: Adjust the thickness of your peanut dressing by adding more or less water. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of sesame oil.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This Buddha Bowl is perfect for meal prepping! Make a larger batch and store the components separately in the fridge for easy assembly throughout the week.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t forget the garnishes! Adding sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions can elevate the dish and add extra layers of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
