Save to Pinterest There's something magical about the transformation of humble broccoli in this Mediterranean-inspired bowl. When those green florets hit the heat of the oven, they transform from ordinary to extraordinary—crispy at the edges, tender at the stem, and infused with smoky paprika. Paired with nutty grains and drizzled with velvety tahini sauce, this bowl delivers comfort and nourishment in equal measure.
Save to Pinterest This bowl celebrates simplicity. Each element stands on its own—the roasted vegetables retain their individual character while working in harmony with the earthy grains and rich sauce. It's the kind of meal that proves plant-based eating can be deeply satisfying and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 large head broccoli (cut into florets), 1 red onion (thinly sliced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Grains: 1 cup quinoa or brown rice (uncooked), 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- Tahini Sauce: 1/3 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, 1 garlic clove (minced), 3-5 tablespoons water, salt to taste
- Optional Toppings: 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 avocado (sliced), lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss broccoli florets and red onion slices with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
- Roast to perfection
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the broccoli is golden and crispy at the edges.
- Cook the grains
- Meanwhile, rinse quinoa or rice under cold water. Combine with water or broth in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until fluffy (quinoa: ~15 minutes, rice: ~35 minutes). Fluff with a fork.
- Make the tahini sauce
- For the tahini sauce, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Gradually whisk in water until smooth and pourable.
- Assemble your bowl
- To assemble, divide cooked grains among bowls. Top with roasted broccoli and onions. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
- Garnish and serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds, parsley, avocado slices, and lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the crispiest broccoli, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each floret enough space to release steam during roasting. The tahini sauce might thicken as it sits—just add a splash of water and whisk again before serving if needed. For meal prep, keep the components separate and assemble just before eating for the best texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile bowl welcomes many variations. For added protein, incorporate roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu. You can swap the grains for farro, barley, or couscous based on what you have on hand. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the broccoli before roasting or stir some hot sauce into your tahini dressing.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this nourishing bowl with a side of warm pita bread for scooping up extra sauce. For a complete dinner, pair it with a simple Mediterranean-inspired salad of cucumber, tomato, and olives. The bowls make an excellent lunch option—simply pack the components separately and assemble at work for a fresh, vibrant midday meal.
Save to Pinterest This Roasted Broccoli Bowl represents mindful eating at its best—thoughtfully prepared vegetables, wholesome grains, and a sauce made from scratch. It's a reminder that delicious, satisfying meals don't need to be complicated. Whether you're a seasoned plant-based cook or just beginning to explore vegetable-forward dishes, this bowl offers both comfort and nourishment in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best grain to use for this bowl?
Quinoa or brown rice work beautifully, offering a fluffy base that absorbs sauce well. Farro or couscous can also be used for varied texture.
- → How can I ensure the broccoli gets crispy?
Roast broccoli spread out on a lined baking sheet at 425°F, stirring halfway through to expose edges and ensure even crisping.
- → Can the tahini sauce be adjusted for sweetness?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or adjust the amount to balance the tanginess and bitterness of tahini to your liking.
- → What toppings complement the bowl well?
Toasted sesame seeds, fresh parsley, avocado slices, and lemon wedges add freshness, texture, and brightness to the dish.
- → Is this bowl suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Keep the sauce and toppings separate until serving to maintain freshness and texture over several days.