Lentil Power Bowl with Grains (Printable)

Tender lentils with roasted vegetables over quinoa, topped with creamy tahini for a satisfying plant-based bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, uncooked
02 - 2 cups water or vegetable broth

→ Lentils

03 - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
04 - 2.5 cups water
05 - 1 bay leaf
06 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Roasted Vegetables

07 - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 zucchini, sliced
10 - 1 red onion, sliced
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Tahini Dressing

15 - 0.25 cup tahini
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
17 - 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
18 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
19 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
20 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Toppings

21 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
22 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F.
02 - Toss sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.
03 - While vegetables roast, combine lentils, water, bay leaf, and salt in saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain excess water and discard bay leaf.
04 - In separate pot, bring 2 cups water or broth to boil. Add quinoa or rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook according to package instructions, approximately 15-20 minutes. Fluff with fork.
05 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, maple syrup, garlic, and salt until smooth. Add additional water to reach desired consistency.
06 - Divide cooked grains among serving bowls. Top with cooked lentils and roasted vegetables. Drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and parsley. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with fiber, complex carbohydrates, and 16g of plant-based protein.
  • Flavorful Textures: Features a perfect contrast between tender grains and caramelized roasted vegetables.
  • Easy Customization: Naturally vegan and simple to make gluten-free with the right choice of grains.
02 -
  • Consistency Control: Add water to the tahini dressing one teaspoon at a time until it reaches the perfect consistency for drizzling.
  • Meal Prep: The roasted vegetables and lentils can be prepared in advance and stored separately in the fridge for up to four days.
  • Texture: Fluffing the grains with a fork immediately after cooking prevents them from clumping and keeps the bowl light.
Go Back