Herby Tahini Grain Bowl Recipes

ROASTED VEGGIE GRAIN BOWL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Toss the chickpeas with the curry powder, 1 teaspoon of the oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Place on one side of a baking sheet. Arrange the onions next to the chickpeas, then the sweet potatoes and lastly the mushrooms. Toss the onions, sweet potatoes and mushrooms with the remaining 3 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of black pepper. Bake until the chickpeas are a bit crunchy and the sweet potatoes are softened and starting to turn brown in a few spots, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the yogurt, tahini and juice of half the lemon in a small bowl. Slice the remaining lemon into wedges.
• Divide the quinoa between two bowls. Arrange half the vegetables and avocado slices on top of the quinoa, leaving a space for the yogurt in the middle. Dollop the yogurt in the empty space and serve with the lemon wedges.

PORK AND PINEAPPLE GRAIN BOWL

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high and brush the grates with vegetable oil. Grill the pineapple until well marked, about 2 minutes per side; let cool. Dice the pineapple and mix with the pico de gallo; set aside.
• Season the pork with salt, then rub with the chile powder and 1 teaspoon cumin. Grill, covered, turning every 4 minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the center registers 145 degrees F, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the farro and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan and cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the farro is tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain and let cool.
• Make the vinaigrette: Whisk the lime juice, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil.
• Divide the farro, spinach, cabbage and avocado among bowls. Thinly slice the pork and add to the bowls. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Top with the pineapple salsa.

PANTRY GRAIN BOWL

Steps:

• Start with a hearty base of grains or cooked root vegetables or a mix of both.
• Add a generous serving of greens or other vegetables, cooked or raw, and a protein of some kind, anything from tempeh to a hard-cooked egg to chicken, lentils, black beans or a scoop of tasty hummus.
• Consider adding a little good fat: an avocado, a homemade dressing or just a splash of extra-virgin olive oil.
• Bump up the flavor and texture by experimenting with savory twists--a splash of tamari or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, perhaps a smattering of pepitas or sunflower seeds or any other crunch. It's up to you.
• In a blender, combine the garlic, mustard, vinegar, oil, salt and scallions and blend until smooth. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 1/2 weeks.