I absolutely love buddha bowls at the moment, I’m totally obsessed!
What is a buddha bowl?
From what I gather, buddha bowls are officially vegetarian or vegan, bowls containing small portions of individual ingredients, usually served cold.
My buddha bowls have been known to include non-veggie foods such as prawns or smoked salmon, and in fact I wouldn’t rule out anything, but my fave combo includes the following:
- Hummus (or is it houmous?!)
- Avocado (preferably smashed but could be sliced)
- Mixed leaves
- Quinoa
- Edamame beans
- Falafel
- Pomegranate seeds
- Grated beetroot
This combo for me doesn’t even need any kind of condiment as the hummus and avocado provide the flavour and moisture in every bite. Also, the pomegranate seeds give me a flavour kick in each forkful. But if I didn’t have either of these then I’d top it with some sweet chilli sauce.
I also add seeds to my bowl, just a sprinkle of pumpkin, sunflower, chia and sesame seeds gives it a lovely crunch!
Why are buddha bowls so brilliant?
Buddha bowls are generally extremely healthy and super colourful, and really PRETTY! We eat with our eyes first and they just look so gorgeous. Plus, as you’re feeding your body with nutritious food you get to feel really virtuous.
But the BEST thing about buddha bowls is that they are so quick to put together! Many of the ingredients come straight from the fridge and you can just throw them in. Some may require chopping or mashing, but if you want to save time then there are prepacked versions you can buy in your supermarket.
For example, I often cook a batch of quinoa which lasts for ages and can be used in many different ways, including in buddha bowls.
I’m a relative newbie to enjoying avocado and sometimes struggle to get the correct ripeness for ‘smashing’ them. In my local Tesco I can buy ready-smashed avo with chilli which lasts for ages and is so convenient. Edamame beans don’t need to be cooked, and you can buy ready-made falafel in all supermarkets. I do sometimes heat the falafel in the oven for ten minutes but they are equally delicious cold.
Buddha bowl
My favourite buddha bowl is so healthy and delicious!
- 1-2 Handful Mixed salad leaves
- 1 Dessertspoon Hummus
- 1 Dessertspoon Smashed avocado
- 4 Falafel bites
- 1 Handful Grated beetroot (Available from large Tesco stores)
- 1 Dessertspoon Pomegranate seeds
- 3 Cherry tomatoes
- 3 Sliced radish
- 2 tbsp Cooked quinoa
- 1 Dessertspoon Edamame beans
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees centigrade (if you prefer your falafel warm)
Place falafel on a baking tray and put in the oven while you're prepping your other ingredients.
Start by lining your bowl with mixed leaves
Add the hummus and avocado next to each other
Place the cherry tomatoes and any other salad ingredients next to each other.
Mix the quinoa and edamame beans and place next to the other ingredients
After 10-15 mins, remove the falafel and place them on top of the exposed salad leaves.
Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on top of everything.
This is an ideal recipe for using up things in your fridge, so you can swap in any salad ingredients you have in there.
Falafel can be heated in the microwave but they won’t be as crispy as when they’re cooked in the oven.
Thanks for telling me what a buddha bowl is. It sounds a lot better than a mixed salad.
You’re welcome – it’s much tastier than a plain salad 🙂
I mean count in 30 plants week?
Yes definitely!
Do pickled veg: beetroot, dill cucumbers, pickled onions, chillis, sauerkraut count?