Something I love most about the Spring and Summer seasons is the emphasis on light, refreshing meals. This Winter Glow Buddha Bowl is a great way to embrace winter flavors while maintaining those fresh, light vibes.
Many of us are also looking for healthy, delicious meals in keeping with New Years resolutions. You don't need to sacrifice flavor in order to keep those resolutions.
The Buddha Bowl name is a reference to the bowl-shaped fullness of Buddha's Belly. It is also a nod toward the meal which is typically a plant-based, vegetarian bowl overflowing with an array of wholesome ingredients.
Buddha is said to have gained deep wisdom in the forest. The Winter Glow Buddha Bowl has black rice which represents the earth beneath, the roasted sweet potatoes and vibrant pomegranate seeds add brightness serving as a reminder that even in the dark, cold winter, there is always light to be found. Topping off the Buddha Bowl is a Lemon-Carrot Ginger dressing like a refreshing burst of sunshine through the trees of the forest.
Beyond the metaphors and Buddha history, this bowl packs a serious nutritious punch.
Ingredients
Featuring black rice, roasted sweet potatoes, pomegranate seeds, and a zesty lemon-ginger dressing for a vibrant, balanced meal.
- Black Rice
- Sweet Potato
- Baby Spinach
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Red Cabbage
See recipe card for quantities.
Black Rice vs. White Rice
White rice is refined and low in fiber, offering mainly carbohydrates with a higher glycemic index, which can cause blood sugar spikes. It's versatile in cooking but less beneficial for blood sugar control or weight management.
Black rice, a whole grain, is richer in fiber, antioxidants (like anthocyanins), and essential nutrients like iron. It has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, making it a healthier choice for digestion, heart health, and blood sugar regulation.
Nutritional Benefits
Black Rice: High in antioxidants, supports heart health, rich in fiber.
Sweet Potatoes: Packed with vitamins A and C, supports eye health, anti-inflammatory.
Pomegranate Seeds: Rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity, promotes heart health.
Baby Spinach: High in iron, supports bone health, rich in vitamins K and A.
Red Cabbage: Loaded with vitamins C and K, supports digestion, anti-inflammatory.
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Health Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a nutritionist or physician. The recipes provided are for general information and enjoyment purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have specific health conditions or dietary concerns.
📖 Recipe
Winter Glow Buddha Bowl
Ingredients
Bowl Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Cooked Black Rice
- 3 Sweet Potatoes, Cubed
- 1 Head of Red Cabbage Shredded or Thinly Sliced
- ½ Pomegranate seeded
- 1 Bag Fresh Baby Spinach, cleaned and dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon-Carrot Ginger Dressing
- zest of 1 Lemon
- juice of 1 Lemon
- 1 small Garlic Clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoon Soy Sauce
- 2 cups Carrots, grated
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 teaspoon Honey
- pinch Salt
Instructions
Bowl Instructions
- Prepare your Black Rice according to package. I used a rice cooker and the "brown rice" setting. If your rice cooker has a "multi-grain setting" use that instead.
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 °F and cube up the sweet potato into evenly sized pieces. Coat the sweet potato cubes with olive oil and bake on a sheet pan in pre-heated oven for 25-30 minutes. Shake the pan and flip the sweet potato cubes halfway to cook evenly. You will know they are ready when they are fork-tender and the edges are slightly caramelized. Continue to the next steps to further prepare while the sweet potato and black rice are cooking.
- Shred Red Cabbage, Seed the Pomegranate, and clean your fresh baby spinach.
- Prepare the Lemon-Carrot Ginger Dressing using a blender. Add all of your ingredients and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust to desired flavor.
- Once your Black Rice and your Sweet Potato are finished cooking, prepare your bowls.
- Add even amounts of Baby Spinach, roasted Sweet Potato, Red Cabbage, Black Rice, and Pomegranate seeds to your Bowl. Drizzle with your Lemon-Carrot Ginger Dressing.
Charissa says
all kinds of helpful facts!