Lentil Power Bowl (Printable version)

Tender lentils and grains with roasted vegetables in creamy tahini dressing

# Needed ingredients:

→ 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 - 2½ cups water
05 - 1 bay leaf
06 - ½ 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 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
14 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Tahini Dressing

15 - ¼ cup tahini
16 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
17 - 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
18 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
19 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
20 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Toppings

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

# How to make it:

01 - Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
02 - Toss sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on a 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 a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain excess water and discard bay leaf.
04 - In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add quinoa or rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook according to package instructions, approximately 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
05 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, maple syrup, garlic, and salt until smooth. Add extra water gradually to reach desired consistency.
06 - Divide cooked grains among four bowls. Top with lentils and roasted vegetables. Drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and parsley. Serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • High in plant-based protein with 16g per serving.
  • Perfect for meal prep or a balanced weeknight dinner.
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free when using quinoa or rice.
  • The roasted sweet potato and tahini combination creates a rich, satisfying flavor profile.
02 -
  • Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and improve digestibility.
  • Stir the roasting vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly without sticking.
  • When making the dressing, add the water slowly; tahini can seize initially before turning into a smooth, creamy sauce.
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