Ingredients
Scale
Hereโs what youโll need to create this vibrant and nourishing Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl:
- For the Roasted Vegetables & Chickpeas:
- 1 large Sweet Potato (approx. 300g):ย Peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes. Adds a lovely sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 head of Broccoli (approx. 300g):ย Cut into medium-sized florets. Provides a nice crunch and earthy flavor.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper:ย Cored, seeded, and roughly chopped. Offers a sweet, slightly tangy note.
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper:ย Cored, seeded, and roughly chopped. Adds more color and a mild sweetness.
- 1 Red Onion:ย Peeled and cut into wedges. Caramelizes beautifully for a sweet and savory kick.
- 1 can (15-ounce / 400g) Chickpeas:ย Rinsed and drained thoroughly. These roast up to be delightfully crispy and add plant-based protein.
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil:ย Extra virgin is preferred for its flavor. This helps the veggies caramelize.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano:ย Adds a classic Mediterranean aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika:ย Lends a subtle smoky depth.
- ยฝ teaspoon Garlic Powder:ย For a convenient garlicky undertone.
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper:ย To taste, essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- For the Grain:
- 1 cup Quinoa (uncooked):ย Rinsed thoroughly under cold water. This is our base, a complete protein and gluten-free.
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water:ย For cooking the quinoa, broth adds more flavor.
- For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
- ยฝ cup Tahini:ย Well-stirred. This sesame paste is the creamy heart of the dressing.
- ยผ cup Lemon Juice:ย Freshly squeezed is best for brightness.
- 2–3 tablespoons Cold Water:ย To thin the dressing to desired consistency.
- 1–2 cloves Garlic:ย Minced very finely or grated. Adjust to your garlic preference.
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (optional):ย For a touch of sweetness to balance the bitterness of tahini.
- Pinch of Salt:ย To enhance the flavors.
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro:ย Chopped, for a burst of freshness.
- Toasted Pumpkin Seeds or Sunflower Seeds:ย For added crunch and nutrients.
- A sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes:ย For those who like a little heat.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese (if not vegan): Adds a salty, briny element.
Instructions
Follow these steps to assemble your delicious Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl:
- Preheat and Prepare:ย Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a large baking sheet (or two if necessary to avoid overcrowding) with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prep the Vegetables:ย In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potato, broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, and red onion wedges.
- Season the Vegetables:ย Drizzle theย ย vegetablesย with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with dried oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure theย ย vegetablesย are evenly coated.
- Roast the Vegetables:ย Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet(s). Itโs important not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the vegetables to steam rather than roast and caramelize. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Prepare and Add Chickpeas:ย While the vegetables are roasting, pat the rinsed and drained chickpeas very dry with a paper towel. This is key to getting them crispy. In a small bowl, toss the chickpeas with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Continue Roasting:ย After the initial 20 minutes of roasting, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the seasoned chickpeas to the baking sheet, distributing them amongst the vegetables. Return the sheet to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and nicely caramelized at the edges, and the chickpeas are slightly crisped.
- Cook the Quinoa:ย While the vegetables are roasting, cook the quinoa. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh sieve. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest the Quinoa:ย Once cooked, remove the quinoa from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork.
- Make the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:ย While the quinoa is cooking and vegetables are roasting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the tahini and fresh lemon juice. The mixture will thicken up considerably โ this is normal. Add the minced garlic and optional maple syrup. Gradually whisk in the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency similar to heavy cream. Season with a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust lemon, salt, or water as needed.
- Assemble the Bowls:ย To serve, divide the cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top generously with the roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle liberally with the lemon-tahini dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with your choice of optional garnishes like fresh parsley or cilantro, toasted seeds, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy your wholesome Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 650
- Fiber: 18g
- Protein: 22g