A couple weeks ago, I posted a Buddha bowl on my Instagram that I’d made for Meatless Monday and a couple people expressed interest in a recipe. I’m not really good at recipes because I eyeball everything when I cook, unless I’m using somebody else’s recipe. But I’ma try lol. I probably won’t do too many posts like this, unless y’all really like them and want more.
What’s a Buddha Bowl?
I guess there isn’t really an “official” definition for Buddha bowls, but word on the street (by the street, I mean Urban Dictionary) is that it’s “a bowl which is packed so full that it has a rounded “belly” appearance on the top much like the belly of a buddha.”
My understanding of these bowls is that they’re usually plant-based, but for the most part, anything goes. They’re so fun and versatile because you can literally put whatever you want in them… meaning, you could eat a Buddha bowl every day, and every day, it’s something different. There aren’t any rules.
Here’s the recipe for the bowl I made. Like I said, I eyeballed all the ingredients and seasoned to taste, so I don’t have exact measurements… but that’s the beauty in cooking. Have fun with it. Add your own twist.
Ingredients and Directions for the Bowl
- Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend (or another grain of your choice– quinoa, brown rice, etc.)
- Arugula
- Chickpeas, cooked
- 1/2 avocado
- Orange sweet potato, roasted
- Purple sweet potato, roasted
- Chia seeds, for garnish
I start with the greens as the base layer, then add the remaining ingredients in little sections until the bowl is full. The chia seeds are sprinkled over the top, last.
One of my go-to chickpea seasoning blends is salt and pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and turmeric. All to taste.
To roast the potatoes, I toss them in a bowl with olive oil, a dash of salt, and a dash of brown sugar. To my mom: I know, it’s just as good without the sugar. Go ahead and leave it out if you’d like. Lmao.
Ingredients and Directions for the Garlic Avocado Sauce
- 1/2 avocado
- Garlic
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- fresh lime juice
- fresh cilantro
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor, until smooth. Add a little water if mixture is too thick. Drizzle delicately over the bowl.
More Bowl Ingredient Ideas
Get creative with your bowls! Add meat if you just don’t feel right eating a meal without it. I’m still working on my sauces–I’m not great at creating those without guidance. However, a quick Google search for Buddha Bowl sauces will give you tons of inspiration. Tahini sauces are super popular.
Here are a few more ideas for bowl ingredients.
- Grains and starches: quinoa, couscous, brown rice, barley, potatoes, beans
- Greens: spinach, arugula, kale
- Proteins: chickpeas, eggs, chicken, beef, salmon, edamame
- Veggies: red onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, corn, beets, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, eggplant
- Garnishes: chia seeds, sesame seeds, chopped nuts
Sometimes, I’ll just see what’s in my fridge and pantry and create a bowl with whatever I have on hand. Don’t make it complicated! Enjoy!
