Buddha bowls became one of my favourite savoury meals when I tried my first bowl! They are the easiest and most delicious way of getting all the nutrients your body needs in one meal.
The ‘Buddha Bowl’ referrs to Zen Buddhism. Ōryōki is a set of three nested bowls and other eating utensils for the personal use of Buddhist monks. The largest bowl, sometimes called the Buddha Bowl or zuhatsu, symbolizes Buddha’s head and his wisdom. Ōryōki also refers to a meditative form of eating and emphasizes mindfulness and awareness. And it is about being grateful for what you are eating. Take the time to appreciate the beautiful food in front of you and be thankful that you have something to eat.
This way of eating reduces food waste because you can just throw all your leftovers together in a bowl and have a perfect simple and delicious dinner. But there are also some rules for how to make the perfet buddha bowl. It should contain a portion of grains and starches, a protein source, healthy fats, a variety of cooked and raw vegetables and maybe some kind of sauce.
The more variety in colours you eat the more nutrients you get. So rainbow food is not only a pretty trend but also a healthy trend 😉
Here is a list of ingredients you can choose from to make your own buddha bowl adjusted to your taste:
One to two kinds of grains, a protein, as many differenty cooked and raw vegetables as you like, some leafy greens and healthy fats. And you have all the nutrients you need.
Grains
- Rice (in all different varieties)
- Quinoa
- Millet
- Bulgur
- Rye
- Barley
- Farro
- Buckwheat
- Wholegrain Pasta
- Corn-Rice Pasta
- Soba Noodles
Starches
- Potatoes
- Sweetpotatoes
- Pumpkin
- Squash
- Corn
Protein
- Beans (Kidney-, Black-, White-, Mung-, Adzuki-, Edamame…)
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Peas
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Seitan
Vegetables
- Zucchini
- Tomato
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Eggplant
- Bellpepper
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Brussels Sprouts
- Beetroot
- Celery
- Kohlrabi
- Leek
- Onion, Garlic
Leafy Greens
- Spinach
- Kale
- Rocket
- Lettuce
- Lamb’s Lettuce
- Bok Choy
Healthy Fats
- Sesame Seeds
- Flaxseed
- Sunflower Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Nuts
- Avocado
- Olives
Sauces
- Tahini Dressing
- Tomato Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Healthy Ketchup
- Hummus
- Guacamole