Well, folks, it’s been over a month since I’ve made a bowl recipe, and I’m feeling the itch.
Last time, Gippity cooked up a Marinated Steak Grain Bowl that I certified as awesome.
Today, I’m feeling more health-conscious. I’ve got a big pile of tubers in the pantry, and I’m ready for Gippity to inspire again.
The Prompt
Hey Gippity, I’m in the mood for a bowl recipe that’s a bit more health-focused. I’ve got some sweet potatoes, carrots, radishes, and garbanzos that need to be used up. I also have a little Salsa Macha we could optionally use. And for those in my family who want extra protein, I’ve got some chicken tenderloins in the freezer. What can you whip up for me?
Gippity Kitchen Says:
Hey Stephen, sounds like you’ve got a solid foundation for a healthy, satisfying bowl!
Let’s build around those sweet potatoes, carrots, radishes, and garbanzos—perfect for a hearty base. Roasting the sweet potatoes and chickpeas with a bit of cumin and smoked paprika will give everything a deliciously savory kick, and we’ll throw in some quick-pickled radishes to add that tangy crunch. The carrots can stay raw for a fresh, crunchy element.
For the family members who want a little more protein, chicken tenderloins are super easy to grill. They cook quickly and add a lean, satisfying boost to the dish.
You can drizzle everything with a creamy tahini dressing—either homemade or store-bought. It’ll pull all the flavors together beautifully.
This recipe is flexible enough to keep things light but still plenty filling! How about we call it the Flexi Buddha Bowl?
I decided to go with a store-bought tahini dressing since Gippity gave me the option and I already had some on hand, but I’ll give you the Gippity recipe for a homemade version as well.
Flexi Buddha Bowl
This customizable Flexi Buddha Bowl is a vibrant, nutritious meal featuring roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, grilled chicken tenderloins, and various fresh veggies. Topped with a creamy tahini dressing (homemade or store-bought) and quick-pickled radishes, it's a flexible dish that mixes and matches toppings to suit any taste or dietary preference. Perfect for busy weeknights or family meals where everyone can create their perfect bowl!
Ingredients
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Feta cheese crumbles (optional)
- Pomegranate seeds (optional)
- Sliced spring onions (optional)
- Salsa Macha (optional)
For the Quick-Pickled Radishes:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup warm water
For the Tahini Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1-2 tablespoons warm water (as needed to thin)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Note: Use a store-bought tahini-style salad dressing for a quicker option.
Instructions
-
Cook Quinoa:
- Rinse quinoa under cold running water.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan, add the quinoa and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
-
Season and Roast Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas Together:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss the sweet potato cubes and chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chickpeas are crispy.
- Cook the Chicken Tenderloins:
- Season chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, and lightly coat with olive oil.
- Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing if larger, or leave whole if preferred.
-
Quick-Pickle the Radishes:
- Mix white vinegar, sugar, salt, and warm water until dissolved. Add radish slices, ensure they are fully submerged, and let sit for at least 15 minutes before draining.
-
Prepare the Tahini Dressing (Optional):
- Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and warm water until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if needed and season with salt and pepper to taste. Alternatively, use a preprepared tahini-style dressing for convenience.
-
Assemble the Buddha Bowls:
- Start with a base of cooked quinoa in each bowl.
- Arrange roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, chicken tenderloins, avocado slices, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices on top.
- Add quick-pickled radishes, toasted pumpkin seeds, optional feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, and spring onions.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Spoon a dollop of Salsa Macha on top if desired.
-
Serve:
- Drizzle with the tahini dressing or a store-bought equivalent before serving. Provide extra dressing on the side.
Make this Flexi Buddha Bowl your own by swapping your favorite veggies, grains, or proteins. It’s a versatile dish perfect for using up leftovers or tailoring to individual tastes. Whether you go all-in on the tahini dressing or keep it light and straightforward, this bowl is a surefire way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal that satisfies everyone at the table!
The Verdict
Everything about this bowl is dope.
It’s got roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas. It’s got grilled chicken tenderloins. It’s got quick-pickled radishes (love these). Tahini dressing.
I’m going to give this one a good rating. It’s a solid recipe that’s easy to make and super customizable. I love that you can mix and match toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
It’s not awesome because it’s not quite as yummy as the Marinated Steak Grain Bowl. However, it’s still a great meal that’s healthy and satisfying.
