If I had a bowl that is as colourful and delicious as a Buddha bowl, I wouldn’t complain about eating heathy again! It is truly a feast for the eyes and the palate. Buddha bowls, with their vibrant array of ingredients, have become a beloved staple for those seeking both health and beauty in their meals. Packed with grains, fresh veggies, proteins, and topped with delicious dressings, these bowls are the perfect balance of nutrition and taste. And when you add cheese to the mix? Well, that’s when the magic really happens. The ability to customise the ingredients based on personal preferences and dietary needs makes Buddha bowls a go-to option and the ultimate meal prep recipe.
Buddha bowls offer a range of benefits:
Nutritional Balance: Combining grains, proteins, vegetables and healthy fats all in one bowl, it makes for a very well-balanced and healthy meal option, without giving up on flavour.
Versatility: No two Buddha bowls need to be the same. You can play around with different grains, proteins, and of course, cheeses, to create new flavour profiles every time. They’re perfect for using up leftovers on fridge-cleanout days.
Portion Control: The bowl’s structure naturally encourages balanced portions, helping to prevent overeating—unless it’s too delicious, and you go back for seconds!
Ease of preparation: The best part? Buddha bowls come together in minutes! Batch-cook grains and proteins, chop your veggies ahead of time, and when it’s time to eat, just assemble and enjoy.
Now, let’s get down to business and build the perfect Buddha bowl. It’s all about balance, variety, and flavour.
1. Base: Start with a hearty base that will soak up the flavours of your toppings and dressing. Options like quinoa, rice or couscous are popular and provide a solid foundation to the bowl.
2.Vegetables: Let’s add some colourful variety to the bowl. Add a mix of fresh and roasted vegetables for both texture and nutrition. Make the best use of your seasonal produce.
Fresh vegetables: Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and pickled radishes add a refreshing crunch- ideal for summer.
Roasted vegetables: Brussel sprouts, broccoli, caramelised carrots, sweet potato are great warming options for the winter season.
Leafy greens: Spinach, Kale, and Rocket – either fresh or steamed add variation and up you vitamin intake!
3. Protein: The star of the bowl, providing the fuel you need to power through your day. You can choose from:
Plant-based: tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, lentils
Animal-based: grilled chicken, salmon, boiled eggs
4.Healthy fats: This is the secret to making your Buddha bowl both delicious and satisfying. They add a creamy texture and rich flavour that takes your bowl to the next level. Avocados, walnut and sunflower seeds are the perfect accompaniment!
5.Cheese: The indulgent touch! Picking the right cheese can elevate your bowl to gourmet status:
Feta like Islos that is tangy and salty pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired bowls. It complements ingredients like olives, cucumbers, and roasted red peppers.
Goat’s Cheese like Chavroux is creamy and slightly tangy that adds a luxurious texture to your bowl. It’s perfect for bowls with earthy ingredients like beets, kale, and quinoa.
Blue Cheese like Saint Agur is bold and pungent, making it a great choice for those who love strong flavours. It pairs beautifully with sweet and nutty ingredients like pears, walnuts, and rocket.
Brie from Le Rustique is ideal if you have got a sweet tooth. It is the perfect topping for a fruit-based Buddha bowl. It creates a delightful combination of sweet and savoury when paired with apples, pears, and berries.
6.Dressing: The cherry on the top that ties all the ingredients together and adds a burst of flavour. You can go all out with delicious dressings like tahini, peanut and miso or some dips and sauces. But sometimes a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette does just the job.
That’s your foolproof buddha bowl ready! Either dig in immediately or store it in the fridge for up to 3 days (keep the dressing separate until serving) for a healthy and delicious meal anytime.
