Hearty Winter Grain Bowl

A nourishing bowl featuring warm grains, roasted root vegetables, vibrant hearty greens, and a creamy, flavorful dressing—perfect for cold winter days.

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This Modern American dish brings together the earthy sweetness of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with the savory punch of garlic-sautéed greens, all tied together by a rich lemon-tahini dressing.

Ingredients

• Grains: 1 cup farro or quinoa (for gluten-free option), 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• Roasted Root Vegetables: 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced), 2 parsnips (peeled and diced), 1 small sweet potato (peeled and cubed), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Greens: 4 cups kale or Swiss chard (stems removed and chopped), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic (minced), pinch of salt
• Dressing: 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp warm water (more as needed), 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings (optional): 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan), 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 3

Meanwhile, rinse grains. In a medium saucepan, combine grains and broth (or water). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender (about 20 minutes for quinoa, 30 minutes for farro). Drain any excess liquid.

Step 4

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tbsp olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chopped greens and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring, until wilted (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 5

For the dressing, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, warm water, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add more water for desired consistency.

Step 6

To assemble, divide warm grains between bowls. Top with roasted vegetables and sautéed greens. Drizzle generously with dressing.

Step 7

Garnish with pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, and parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a large baking sheet for roasting to prevent steaming, and use a whisk for the dressing to achieve a smooth texture. Required tools include a medium saucepan, a large skillet, and mixing bowls.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to swap in other root vegetables like beets or turnips if preferred. For an extra boost of protein, you can add roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken to the bowl.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this bowl warm, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon.

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This balanced meal provides 420 calories per serving, including 11g of protein and 57g of carbohydrates, making it a wholesome choice for any winter day.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this grain bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the grains and roast vegetables up to 3 days ahead. Store separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently before assembling and add fresh dressing.

→ What grains work best in this bowl?

Farro offers a nutty chew, while quinoa provides lighter texture. Brown rice, wheat berries, or barley also work beautifully. Choose based on preference and dietary needs.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep components separate in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. The dressing lasts up to a week. For best results, reheat grains and vegetables separately, then assemble fresh.

→ Can I add protein to make it more filling?

Roasted chickpeas, grilled chicken, or baked tofu pair wonderfully. A poached egg on top also adds richness and extra protein for a heartier meal.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Beets, turnips, or butternut squash roast beautifully alongside the root vegetables. Spinach or collard greens can substitute for kale. Seasonal vegetables work wonderfully here.

→ Is the dressing customizable?

Yes. Replace maple syrup with honey or date syrup. Add garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Adjust water quantity to reach your preferred creamy consistency.