Quinoa Power Bowl

These are named “power bowls” for good reason: each bowl is packed with tons of plant-based nutrients! I love these bowls because they are so versatile. You can swap in any grain or veggie you’re craving. Recently I made a jar of pickled onions, and they brought my bowls to a whole new level! (Recipe adapted from Christine Waltermyer’s Quinoa Power Bowl with Orange Tahini Dressing.)

Ingredients:

For Power Bowl:

• 2 cups vegetable broth, or water
• 1 cup quinoa
• Spring mix
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, sliced
• Avocado, sliced
• Other vegetables for topping: roasted sweet potatoes (try Japanese purple sweet potatoes), stir-fried mushrooms, roasted zucchini, broccoli, brussels sprouts, or cauliflower
• Cilantro for topping, optional
• Microgreens for topping, optional
• Pickled Onions (see recipe below) for topping, optional

For Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Juice of 1 orange

Directions:

For Power Bowl:

1. In a small saucepan, combine vegetable broth and quinoa. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, 15 to 20 minutes. Quinoa should be fluffy when cooked.
2. Place a bed of spring mix in your bowl. Top with tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and any other vegetables you are using.
3. Top with dressing and cilantro, microgreens, and pickled onions, if desired.

For Dressing:

1. In a medium bowl, combine tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice. Whisk until well combined. If a thicker consistency is desired, add more tahini—up to 2 tablespoons.

Pickled Onions:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup red wine vinegar
• Optional additions: 1 clove garlic, halved, 5 black peppercorns, 3 sprigs thyme, 1 small dried chili

Directions:

1. Place sliced onion in a strainer and set in the sink. Bring some water to a boil and pour over the onions, letting all the water drain off.
2. In a mason jar, combine honey, salt, vinegar, and any or all of the optional additions. 
3. Add sliced onion to the vinegar mixture and let sit for at least an hour.