The star of this dish is organic quinoa, grown right here in the beautiful Canterbury region. Paired with roasted chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing, it's a nutrient-packed feast for both your taste buds and your conscience. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- Organic Quinoa: 1 cup, grown locally in Canterbury
- Chickpeas: 1 can (400g), drained and rinsed
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Carrots: 2 large, julienned
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Avocado: 1 ripe, sliced
- Baby Spinach: 2 cups
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, for garnish
Tahini Dressing:
- Tahini: 3 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Water: 2-3 tablespoons, to thin
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa:
Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the quinoa, and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Roasted Chickpeas:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a bowl, toss the drained chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy, stirring halfway through.
3. Make the Tahini Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
Divide the cooked quinoa into bowls and top with roasted chickpeas, julienned carrots, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and baby spinach. Drizzle generously with the tahini dressing.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Enjoy your flavorful, Canterbury-grown quinoa Buddha Bowl!
This vibrant bowl not only celebrates the best of organic Canterbury produce but also provides a healthy dose of plant-based protein and fiber. So, grab your fork and dig into a delicious taste of sustainable living!
