30 MINUTES | NOT TOO TRICKY | SERVES 4

Nutrition per Serving:

• 450 Cals
• 15g Protein
• 60g Carbs
• 17g Fat
• 8g Sugar

Bowl Yourself Over with This Hearty Grain Bowl!

Oh, the joy of winter cooking! The cold weather has officially made its grand entrance, and you know what that means—time to cozy up with a heartwarming bowl of deliciousness! I don’t know about you, but nothing beats a vibrant grain bowl packed with nutrients, and this Winter Grain Bowl with Balsamic Dressing is just the ticket. When I first encountered this recipe on
Pinch of Yum, I thought, “Who wouldn’t want to devour all these colors and flavors?”

This bowl is not just pretty; it’s a culinary masterpiece that offers a perfect balance of grains, veggies, and that lick-your-plate goodness of balsamic dressing. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you still want to impress your family or share a meal with friends. Plus, you can whip it up in under thirty minutes — talk about winter magic!

Now, let me ask you: what’s your go-to recipe when the frost starts creeping in? Share your culinary secrets below!

Ingredients List:

Main Dish:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado, sliced

Balsamic Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Basics:

This vibrant grain bowl comes together by cooking the quinoa, roasting the sweet potatoes, and tossing everything together with a delectable balsamic dressing. You’ll prep your ingredients while multitasking — it’s all about timing and coordination!

Detailed Instructions with Timing Notes:

1. Prepare the Quinoa (Time: 0:00 – 0:10)
   • Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Combine with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
2. Roast the Sweet Potatoes (Time: 0:05 – 0:25)
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes or until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.
3. Sauté the Kale (Time: 0:15 – 0:20)
   • In a separate pan, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped kale on medium heat for 5 minutes until wilted.
4. Prepare the Balsamic Dressing (Time: 0:20 – 0:30)
   • In a jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake well to combine.
5. Assemble the Bowl (Time: 0:25 – 0:30)
   • In a serving bowl, layer quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed kale, chickpeas, and avocado slices. Drizzle with balsamic dressing.

Timing Table (Highlight):

Pro Tips and Tricks:

• To save time, roast the sweet potatoes a day ahead, or substitute with pre-cooked ones.
• Leftovers? Reheat the grain bowl gently in the microwave, just enough to warm it without turning the avocado mushy!

Product Insights:

For this recipe, a good-quality balsamic vinegar truly makes all the difference. Look for one with a sweet and rich flavor — your taste buds will thank you!

Serving and Presentation:

To serve, layer your bowl with flair – starting with a bed of quinoa, then add colorful layers of veggies, chickpeas, and avocado before drizzling with the balsamic dressing.

Shopping List:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups kale
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 avocado
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Need additional help?

Struggling with the steps for Winter Grain Bowl with Balsamic Dressing? I recommend taking a look at their recipe and reviewing the pictures they provide—they’re helpful visual guides!