Light Coastal Quinoa Bowl (Printable Version)

Vibrant quinoa bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and zesty lemon-tahini dressing for a fresh, light dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
05 - 1 large bunch kale, stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Dressing

10 - 3 tablespoons tahini
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
13 - 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
14 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
15 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Garnishes

16 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
18 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting.
02 - On a large baking sheet, toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper; spread them out evenly.
03 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
04 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
05 - Place kale in a large bowl, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt, then massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes until leaves are bright green and tender.
06 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, water, garlic, and salt until smooth; add extra water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Divide cooked quinoa among bowls, top with massaged kale and roasted sweet potatoes, then drizzle generously with lemon-tahini dressing.
08 - Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds, optional parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Light and nutritious
  • Easy to prepare in under an hour
02 -
  • Quinoa is a complete protein making this bowl vegetarian-friendly and filling
  • Massage the kale to soften it and reduce bitterness improving texture and flavor
03 -
  • Rinse quinoa well to remove its natural bitterness
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best dressing flavor
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