Description
Ever wonder how a simple bowl of veggies can make you feel like you’re bursting with energy? What if you could whip up a Veggie Power Bowl that’s so vibrant and delicious it earns a perfect 5-star rating from 4 happy eaters, yet takes just 20 minutes? This recipe’s your ticket to a healthy, plant-based meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or refreshing dinner
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this Veggie Power Bowl so special. Each one brings flavor, texture, or nutrition, and I’ll share why they’re key, plus swaps for flexibility. Most are easy to find at any grocery store.
- Two handfuls mixed salad greens: Light, crisp base packed with vitamins. Sub: Baby spinach, arugula, or kale.
- 1 cup cooked forbidden black rice: Nutty, chewy grain for staying power. Sub: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
- 1 carrot, peeled into thin ribbons: Sweet, crunchy texture. Sub: Zucchini ribbons or shredded beets.
- ½ avocado, sliced: Creamy richness with healthy fats. Sub: Hummus or guacamole.
- ⅓ cup frozen edamame, thawed: Protein-packed and slightly sweet. Sub: Chickpeas, green peas, or roasted tofu.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced daikon radish (or any radish): Peppery crunch and vibrant color. Sub: Red radish, cucumber, or jicama.
- 1 to 2 soft-boiled eggs: Protein boost with a creamy yolk. Sub: Scrambled tofu or skip for vegan.
- Sesame Ginger Dressing, for drizzling: Zesty, savory dressing that ties it all together. Sub: Soy-lime dressing or tahini sauce.
- Sesame seeds, for sprinkling: Nutty crunch. Sub: Hemp seeds or sunflower seeds.
- 1 chopped scallion, optional: Sharp, fresh bite. Sub: Chives or skip.
- Pickled ginger, optional: Zesty, tangy kick. Sub: Pickled onions or skip for milder flavor.
- Lemon or lime wedges, for serving, optional: Brightens every bite. Sub: Orange wedges.
- Sriracha, for serving, optional: Adds a spicy kick. Sub: Chili oil or skip for mild.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances all flavors. Adjust to taste.
With about 10 core ingredients, this bowl’s simple yet vibrant. Fresh veggies and quality grains make it a nutritional powerhouse.
(Word count: ~400. Let’s build it!)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Components (15 Minutes)
- Rice: Use 1 cup pre-cooked forbidden black rice (cook ⅓ cup dry rice with ⅔ cup water for ~30 minutes if needed). Tip: Make ahead or use leftovers to save time.
- Eggs: For soft-boiled eggs, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add 1-2 eggs, boil for 6-7 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Peel and halve. Vegan option: Crumble ½ cup firm tofu with a pinch of turmeric for a similar vibe.
- Veggies: Peel 1 carrot into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Thinly slice ¼ cup daikon radish (a mandoline works best). Thaw ⅓ cup frozen edamame in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain. Chop 1 scallion if using.
- Dressing: Whisk together the sesame ginger dressing ingredients (see above). Set aside. Tip: Double the recipe and store in the fridge for a week.
Step 2: Prep the Greens (3 Minutes)
- Place two handfuls of mixed salad greens in a large bowl. Toss with a tiny drizzle of dressing or a pinch of salt to lightly season. Tip: Don’t overdress to keep greens crisp.
(Word count: ~750. Time to assemble!)