Quinoa Chickpea Buddha Bowl Minimalist Baker Recipes

It may seem simple and just like any other wholesome bowl, but the flavors meld together perfectly, it’s a nutrient powerhouse (with 22 g protein per serving), and its simplicity is the best part (anyone can make it)! Interested in how this delicious bowl is made? Please follow me.

What is a Buddha Bowl?

But first, what’s a Buddha Bowl? It’s not clear where the term Buddha Bowl originated, and there doesn’t seem to be any strict set of rules for how to make one. But it seems to be roughly defined as a bowl with an assortment of small portions of different foods (especially grains & veggies). Some say the concept is thought to emulate the way Buddhist monks would walk around with a bowl, accepting small portions from other people (source). While others claim that Buddha bowls refer to a healthy, balanced, but overloaded bowl resembling the rounded belly of the Laughing Buddha (source). Either way, we’re Buddha Bowl fans around here!

How to Make This Bowl

This recipe is inspired by the Mighty Bowl at Prasad (one of my favorite Portland restaurants) and starts with cooked-from-scratch chickpeas (which are totally easy by the way). My new go-to quick soak method tenderizes the beans and opens them up nicely, saving you (6-8) hours of overnight soaking. Cook immediately after soaking and you have delicious, tender, nutrient-rich beans in roughly 2 hours flat. In the final minutes of the beans cooking, it’s time to prepare your quinoa (a gluten-free, protein powerhouse), make your 3-ingredient Tahini Sauce, and steam your kale (why kale is amazing, in case you aren’t convinced). Then it’s Buddha Bowl building time. I hope you all LOVE this bowl! It’s: SimpleEasy to makeIncredibly nutritiousProtein- + fiber-richVegetable-packed& Crazy delicious This is the perfect meal for most any occasion, but especially when you’re craving a healthy, hearty lunch or dinner. It packs up beautifully for work the next day for lunch. Plus, it’s ideal for serving to a crowd as it’s suitable for pretty much every kind of special diet. Win win! If you try this recipe, let us know what you think! We love seeing your comments, ratings, and especially your photos tagged #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!