Ingredients
Method
Cook the Grain Base
- Rinse quinoa under running water.
- In a pot, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add quinoa and salt, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Roast the Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss sweet potatoes, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make Crispy Chickpeas
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chickpeas, cumin, paprika, and salt. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Make the Tahini Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, and salt.
- Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Assemble the Buddha Bowls
- Start with the base: Divide quinoa between bowls.
- Add roasted veggies & crispy chickpeas.
- Top with fresh spinach, avocado slices, and red onion.
- Drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing.
- Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds & microgreens for crunch.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Eat immediately or store in airtight containers for meal prep.
Nutrition
Notes
Customization & Variations
✔ Swap the Grain: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.✔ Different Protein: Swap chickpeas for tofu, tempeh, lentils, or edamame.
✔ Creamy Twist: Add a dollop of hummus or Greek yogurt.
✔ Extra Heat: Drizzle with sriracha or add chili flakes.
✔ Nut-Free: Replace tahini with sunflower seed butter.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables or blueberries instead of fresh?Totally - roast from frozen on a hot tray and add 3–5 extra minutes until edges char. Keep pieces in a single layer so they crisp, not steam. (If adding fruit like blueberries, scatter after roasting to keep textures distinct.) What’s the best grain here—quinoa, rice, or couscous?
All work. Quinoa is quick and higher in protein, brown rice is heartier, and couscous is the fastest; your method already gives perfect timings for quinoa (15 minutes simmer + 5 rest). How do I get truly crispy chickpeas?
Pat them very dry, don’t crowd the pan, and cook in a single layer 5–7 minutes until the skins blister. Toss with spices at the end if they darken too fast. That matches your skillet method. Meal-prep tips—what can I make ahead?
Cook grains, roast veg, and crisp chickpeas up to 3 days ahead. Store the dressing separately and slice avocado fresh before serving. Reheat grains/veg briefly and assemble. Can I add extra protein?
Yes - baked tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils, rotisserie chicken, or salmon all fit your “protein” slot. Keep the lemon-tahini dressing; it’s flexible with plant or animal proteins. Gluten-free / nut-free / oil-free options?
Use quinoa or rice for GF, swap pumpkin/sunflower seeds for nuts, and for oil-free: roast veg on parchment and whisk the dressing with warm water + extra lemon to loosen instead of oil. Can I double it?
Yes - use two trays for roasting (no crowding) and toss bowls to order.
