Quinoa Bowl With Crispy Brussels Sprouts Eggplant And Tahini Recipes

ROASTED VEGETABLE & QUINOA HARVEST BOWLS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or more baking sheets if increasing batch size).
• Add the carrots and potatoes to the sheet and drizzle with half of the maple syrup, half of the olive oil, the salt, pepper, and rosemary (as original recipe is written, 1 Tbsp maple syrup and 1 Tbsp olive oil // adjust if altering batch size). Toss to combine. Then bake for 12 minutes.
• In the meantime, heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add rinsed quinoa to lightly sautée before adding water to evaporate leftover moisture and bring out a nutty flavor.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Then add water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 18-22 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Then open lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Tilt the lid, remove from the heat, and set aside.
• When the veggies are at the 12-minute mark, remove pan from the oven and add the Brussels sprouts. Top with remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, and another pinch each salt and pepper (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Loosely toss to combine.
• Return pan to oven and roast for 10-12 minutes more or until Brussels sprouts are golden brown and the carrots and potatoes are fork tender. (This ensures that the potatoes and carrots are cooked through and the Brussels don't get too soft.)
• Lastly, prepare dressing by adding tahini, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a small mixing bowl and whisking to combine. Add 2 Tbsp (30 ml) warm water at a time and whisk until thick but pourable. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more maple syrup for sweetness or lemon juice for acidity.
• To serve, divide quinoa and vegetables between serving bowls and top with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce. Top with garnish of choice, such as pomegranate arils or fresh herbs.

QUINOA BOWL WITH CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS, EGGPLANT AND TAHINI

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees.
• Make the tahini dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, garlic and salt in a medium bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in oil, a few drops at a time, until emulsified. Whisk in tahini and enough water (by the teaspoon) to make a thin pourable sauce; taste and add more salt and lemon juice if needed. Set aside.
• Prepare the grain bowl: Place the brussels sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet, and the eggplant on another. Toss all vegetables with just enough olive oil and salt to coat. Roast brussels sprouts for 17 to 22 minutes and eggplant for 20 to 30 minutes, until vegetables are browned and tender. Toss vegetables once or twice while roasting.
• While vegetables are in the oven, make the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, place quinoa, 2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, and then lower to a simmer for 15 minutes, until the grains soften and water is absorbed. Transfer to a medium bowl and set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey or agave, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the red-pepper flakes. As soon as the eggplant is done, toss immediately with the lemon red-pepper mixture to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
• To serve, place quinoa in four bowls. Divide brussels sprouts, eggplant and tomatoes among the bowls, mounding the vegetables next to one another on top of the quinoa. Generously drizzle tahini dressing over the bowls and garnish with mint and more red-pepper flakes.

RAWIA BISHARA'S BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH TAHINI SAUCE

Steps:

• Make the sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the tahini, garlic, 1/3 cup lemon juice and 1/3 teaspoon salt. Blend until smooth. Add the yogurt and pomegranate molasses and blend again. Add more salt or lemon juice to taste, then set aside.
• Make the sprouts: If frying, pour 1/2 inch corn oil in a deep skillet. Heat until very hot but not smoking. (Test by gently dropping a half sprout into the oil; when oil is ready, sprout will pop loudly and sizzle immediately.) Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, fry sprouts until browned and crisp but still bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to paper towels to drain.
• If roasting, heat oven to 375 degrees and place a pan of water on the bottom shelf to prevent sprouts from drying out. Toss sprout halves in about 3 tablespoons corn oil until slick, but not dripping. Spread them out on 2 sheet pans and bake until tender and browned, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the bread crumbs: in a small skillet, heat olive oil over gentle heat until medium-hot. Add garlic and stir; it will sizzle. Immediately add bread crumbs and stir until toasted and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in salt, then remove to paper towels to drain.
• When ready to serve, spread cooked sprouts on a platter. Drizzle with about 1/2 cup sauce and top with bread crumbs. Tuck in lemon wedges around the edges and sprinkle parsley over the top. Serve immediately, passing any extra sauce at the table.