Best Buddha Bowl Recipe

If you’re searching for a burst of color, texture, and feel-good flavor, the Best Buddha Bowl is a total showstopper. It’s a vibrant bowl packed with roasted sweet potatoes, crisp veggies, protein, healthy grains, and a drizzle of dreamy Turmeric Tahini Sauce—truly the ultimate lovable lunch or supper for both body and soul!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Best Buddha Bowl shines with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a special part—adding creamy, crunchy, bright, or tangy notes. Everything is easy to find, yet when tossed together, they taste like so much more than the sum of their parts!

• 1 large sweet potato, cubed: Roasted until golden, sweet potato brings warmth and a slightly caramelized flavor.
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling: Helps crisp the veggies and enhances flavor while roasting.
• 1 watermelon radish or 2 red radishes: Sliced thin for a refreshing crunch and a pop of color (watermelon radish is gorgeous if you find it, but any radish will do!).
• 2 medium carrots: Peeled into ribbons for texture and a touch of sweetness.
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds antioxidants, crunch, and vibrant purple hue.
• Lemon wedge, for squeezing: A zesty citrus touch to brighten raw veggies and kale.
• 8 kale leaves, chopped: The leafy, nutrient-dense green heart of the bowl, massaged for tenderness.
• 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa: Nutty, wholesome grains provide a filling base (choose your favorite!).
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas or cooked lentils: A plant-powered protein to keep you energized and satisfied.
• ¾ cup sauerkraut or other fermented veggie: For a zingy, probiotic kick—this is the secret flavor bomb!
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or hemp seeds: Sprinkle for crunch and a little extra nutritional punch.
• Turmeric Tahini Sauce, for serving: Earthy, creamy, and deeply craveable—this sauce ties everything together.
• Microgreens, optional: Finish with fresh, delicate greens for a gourmet feel.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season everything to absolute perfection.

Variations

The joy of the Best Buddha Bowl is how easy it is to make it your own. Don’t be shy—mix and match based on what you love or what’s hanging out in your fridge! The possibilities are truly endless.

• Swap your grains: Try farro, white rice, or cauliflower rice for a lighter or heartier base.
• Change up the greens: Use baby spinach, arugula, or Swiss chard in place of kale for a twist in flavor and texture.
• Switch the protein: Add grilled tofu, tempeh, or edamame if you want extra protein or to keep it gluten-free.
• Customize the sauce: Mix up the Turmeric Tahini Sauce with lime juice, ginger, or a hit of Sriracha for a new spin!
• Double the crunch: Throw in roasted chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, or toasted almonds for bonus texture.

How to Make Best Buddha Bowl

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by heating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment. Toss your cubed sweet potatoes with a generous drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic begins: spreading them out in a single layer ensures crispy, caramelized edges every time. Pop the tray in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes, until they’re golden and fork-tender.

Step 2: Prep the Raw Veggies

While the sweet potatoes roast, grab your radishes and carrots. Slice your radishes thinly—if using watermelon radish, those pretty pink rounds are especially striking! Use a veggie peeler to make lovely carrot ribbons. Toss these veggies and your shredded cabbage with fresh lemon juice to keep them crisp and lively. Set aside to slightly marinate.

Step 3: Massage the Kale

Add chopped kale to a big bowl and drizzle with lemon juice plus a pinch of salt. Roll up your sleeves and massage the leaves for a minute or two—they’ll transform from sturdy and bitter to soft, silky, and mellow. They’ll shrink by at least half, so don’t be alarmed by the mound you start with!

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Here’s the fun part! In each bowl, start with a scoop of your chosen grain and a spoonful of chickpeas or lentils. Layer on the kale, carrot ribbons, radish slices, cabbage, roasted sweet potatoes, a dollop of sauerkraut, and a sprinkle of seeds. If you love a little flourish, add microgreens on top. Don’t forget a final pinch of salt and pepper!

Step 5: Drizzle With Turmeric Tahini Sauce

Finish with an enthusiastic drizzle of Turmeric Tahini Sauce. Seriously, don’t hold back—this sauce brings everything together and is the reason people ask for seconds!

How to Serve Best Buddha Bowl

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to turn a meal into a masterpiece! Sprinkle the Best Buddha Bowl with extra sesame or hemp seeds, a generous tangle of microgreens, and maybe a pinch of flaky sea salt. Freshly cracked pepper or even a dash of za’atar or smoked paprika can elevate the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget that final lemon wedge for squeezing just before digging in!

Side Dishes

While the Best Buddha Bowl is a meal in itself, it’s fantastic alongside a simple miso soup, a cup of hot green tea, or crispy baked pita chips. If you want more indulgence, try pairing with a creamy hummus or some warm flatbread to mop up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with your presentation! Try serving the bowl on a big platter for family-style sharing, or arrange ingredients in sections for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy rainbow effect. For a fun twist, layer the ingredients in glass jars for a grab-and-go lunch that turns heads at the office.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover components of the Best Buddha Bowl in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Keep the grains, veggies, greens, protein, and sauce separate—this way they each stay delicious, vibrant, and at their textural best for assembling later.

Freezing

While most fresh veggies don’t freeze well, the grains, chickpeas (or lentils), and roasted sweet potatoes from your Best Buddha Bowl freeze perfectly! Cool them first, pack into freezer-safe containers, and thaw as needed. Just add fresh veggies and sauce when ready to eat.

Reheating

To enjoy your Best Buddha Bowl warm, reheat grains and roasted veggies gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until just heated through. Add your fresh toppings and sauce after warming for the fullest flavor and texture combination.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is stunning, the Best Buddha Bowl is an absolute must-try. Each bowl is an invitation to eat the rainbow, experiment with flavors, and fill your day with something both hearty and happy. Gather your favorite veggies and give it a go—your tastebuds will thank you!

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