Over the past month one of my favourite things to eat has been what I like to refer to as 'The Vegan Rainbow Bowl' (i'm not sure if this is the right name for it but it's one that makes the most sense to me!). I'm also probably extremely late to the party on this one but in any case, keep reading...
When I have been out and about I have really noticed that these kind of 'bowl' type meals have become evermore popular, particularly when it comes to plant based food. I have in the past enjoyed a variety of different bowls from a 'Buddha Bowl' to a "Soul Bowl', and i'm pretty sure at some point, somewhere, I did eat a 'Rainbow Bowl'.
Since attempting to get back on track with some form of healthy eating this month I have found that a 'bowl' dinner is the quickest and easiest food for me to eat which ensures that I get a hit of vitamins and it keeps me on track with healthy eating. It has fast become my favourite way to enjoy what I am eating without feeling that I am missing out of anything.
So what are the rules of the 'bowl'?
Well, there are no rules! Other than keeping it completely cruelty free of course (no animal based ingredients whatsoever). The easiest way to describe it is - a bit of everything you like thrown into a bowl together. Et voila!
What should I add to my 'bowl'?
That is completely up to you and your own personal tastes! I can however let you in on some of my own personal favourite foods to enjoy in the bowl and the various categories I tend to take food from.
Salad - I always add a bit of salad to my bowl whether it be some chopped cucumber, beetroot, spiralised carrot, spinach or lettuce. The opportunities are really endless and it's up to you to decide what you prefer or what goes best with your other items - but remember that anything goes!
Pulses - Us vegans need to ensure we're keeping up our protein and iron intake and I find that pulses, particularly beans and lentils, are the best way to do this. They're also a food that I love to eat! My favourites that always tend to be on hand to add to my 'bowl' are chickpeas, broad beans, kidney beans or even those super cheap and easy tins of mixed beans you can get at the supermarket.
Grain type foods - Things like quinoa, buckwheat, pearl barley, couscous and wheat berries seem to work amazingly well in these kind of dinners and it makes it even easier now that there's a wide range of microwaveable bags available of single or mixed versions. So yummy, so filling and so right!
Carbs - Sometimes my bowls do feel like they are carbs on top of carbs, but as we now know there isn't really anything wrong with that, as long as you have some other things going on in the 'bowl'. One of my favourites has to be brown/wholemeal rice or small roasted chunks of sweet potato. If you are perhaps going for a more oriental themed bowl then you may choose to have noodles instead.
Something of substance - I tend to go for falafel as my main source of substance within the 'bowl' but it could be that something like tofu or some vegan sausages take your fancy. Sometimes I might put a nut cutlet in the oven and then mash it up into my bowl. If you don't have some substance it can end up feeling just like a salad.
Something moist - My fail safe tends to be hummus as it just seems to work so well with everything else I enjoy. If i'm going for more of an Asian type bowl though I will normally add soy sauce or perhaps a suitable stir fry sauce.
Healthy fat - Avocado! Need I say more!? A bowl without some avocado is never really as enjoyable as a bowl with. However, nuts are also a great option!
I think the most important thing to remember when making up a vegan 'rainbow bowl' is that you get it to be as colourful, wholesome and delicious as you can. Every bowl I make tends to turn out differently and I think that's another reason why I love them so much - they keep things varied! You're also eating predominantly unprocessed whole plant based foods which is good for you, the animals and the planet.
Maybe I should start calling them 'Love Bowls' instead because I really do love them!
If you feel inspired to start making your own rainbow bowls be sure to tweet me a photo so that I can admire your creations!
