Is it just me, or does everything taste better in a bowl? I don’t know if it’s because typically delicious meals are served in the – spaghetti Bolognese, ice cream, granola – or perhaps it’s because they’re not conducive to a fork and knife, so it’s one of the rare times in our adult life that food is cut up for us. Or maybe it’s just because they’re comforting; they’re the meal you have when you’re sick in bed, curled up on the sofa, or enjoying breakfast after a morning swim. Whatever the reason, bowls are certainly having a moment.
It began with acai bowls. Then people started swapping straws for spoons in every smoothie. Next, poke bowls came into the mix, and now we can’t get enough nourishing bowls. What are they you ask? Simply put, a nourishing bowl is everything that makes you feel good thrown into one bowl. Typically they have been plant-based, but no one is stopping you from adding meat into the mix. To create a ‘nourish bowl,’ start with a base: rice, quinoa, noodles; add a protein: eggs, meat, beans; fill it with vegetables, and drizzle over a healthy sauce. Daunted by the build-a-bowl phenomenon? Don’t panic; try these recipes first.
9 Nourish Bowls That’ll Make You Feel Good
Poached Egg Pesto Bowl
It’s safe to say pesto can make anything taste amazing, and this dish is no exception. With so few ingredients, it’s easy to make, but it’s still bursting with flavor (read: parsley, lemon, chili flakes). And the best bit? You can eat it for breakfast, brunch, and brinner. If you’re after more veg, we’d suggest you stick to green – peas, broccolini, and asparagus – and if you’re pressed for time, buy your pesto from the store.
Get the recipe here.
Spicy Salmon Poke Bowl
I might have mentioned that poke bowls are proving to be popular. And while they’re delicious, buying one out can set you back around $20 – fish ain’t cheap, you know. So why not let your salmon swim a little further by making your own? We love this recipe from Jessica Gavin. It’s spicy, tangy, and a little bit sweet.
Get the recipe here.
The Complete Nourishing Winter Bowl
Ok, we know it’s summer here Down Under, but we love this dish all year round. It’s colorful and jam-packed with goodness, providing everything your body needs in one vegetarian-approved bowl. You get protein from the eggs, healthy fats from the avocado and nuts, and carbohydrates from the rice.
Get the recipe here.
Sweet Potato Squash & Kale Bowl
Chickpeas will never taste the same again after trying these crispy chili-lime ones from The Girl On Bloor. Mixed with a whole heap of vegetables and drizzled with cilantro and tahini dressing, this bowl would make Buddha proud.
Get the recipe here.
Lemongrass Chicken Bahn Mi Bowl
This is a Bahn mi minus the bread from our favorites, Molly Yeh. It has brown rice at its base, lemongrass chicken in the middle, and daikon and carrot slaw to finish. It adds heat through jalapenos and sriracha mayo and freshness with cucumber. George, Gary, and Matt would say it’s the perfect balance of flavor, and we’d have to agree. P.s if you haven’t grabbed a copy of her cookbook yet, you should.
Get the recipe here.
The Ultimate Bliss Bowl
Pinch of Yum named this one right; this is the ultimate bliss bowl. It combines homemade falafels, roasted vegetables, and spices; all drizzled with a tahini lemon and honey dressing. If that doesn’t have your mouth watering, I don’t know what will.
Get the recipe here.
Honey-Chipotle Chicken Bowl
I’m feeling the summer heat with this salad bowl from How Sweet It Is…or perhaps it’s the chipotle chicken. Either way, I’m enjoying it. Think lime quinoa, hot chicken, and a bunch of herbs; this dish is fresh.
Get the recipe here.
Dynamite Plant Power Sushi Bowl
Lover of sushi? Me too. This has all the best bits without the hassle of the roll. It’s a vegan dream: tofu, avocado, rice, carrots, and greens, all topped off with soy and wasabi. Throw in some pickled ginger… Oishi!
Get the recipe here.
The Hippie Bowl
My love of Green Kitchen Stories reached new heights after trying their Hippie Bowl. I had it for lunch, but it’s a treat at every meal. Plus, the addition of sauerkraut makes it good for your gut. Enjoy it raw, or top it with an egg for extra protein. I’d recommend trying their apple pie in-a-glass and nut butter recipes if you like them.
Get the recipe here.
