Looking for a vibrant, nutritious meal that packs a punch of flavor? Dive into the world of Vegetarian Buddha Bowls with Spicy Peanut Sauce! This delightful dish combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and crispy chickpeas, all drizzled with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. In just 30 minutes, you can create a colorful and satisfying meal that not only looks stunning but also nourishes your body. Ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as delicious as it is healthy? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Dice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are crispy and golden.
- Drain and rinse chickpeas, pat dry with paper towels. Spread on a separate baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and optional smoked paprika. Roast in the same oven for 15-20 minutes until crispy and slightly golden.
- While vegetables are roasting, slice bell pepper into thin strips. Prepare the spicy peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and 2-3 tablespoons of warm water to create a smooth, pourable consistency.
- In a large bowl, layer cooked quinoa as the base. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, sliced bell peppers, and fresh spinach leaves.
- Drizzle the spicy peanut sauce generously over the bowl. For extra flavor, optionally garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are warm. Can be enjoyed as a nutritious lunch or dinner, with the option to customize vegetables or protein sources.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip the rinsing step! This removes the bitter saponins that can affect the flavor of your quinoa, ensuring a deliciously nutty taste.
- Roast to Perfection: For the sweetest and crispiest sweet potatoes, make sure to cut them into uniform pieces and give them plenty of space on the baking sheet. This allows them to roast evenly and develop that lovely caramelization.
- Crispy Chickpeas: Pat the chickpeas dry before roasting to achieve the perfect crunch. Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for added flavor.
- Customize Your Bowl: One of the best things about Buddha bowls is their versatility! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies, grains, or proteins to make it your own.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the quinoa and roast the veggies in advance. Just assemble your bowl and drizzle with the spicy peanut sauce when you’re ready to eat for a quick and healthy meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
