Spring Bliss Bowls with Pesto Rice
Try this Spring Bliss Bowls with Pesto Rice recipe.
Try this Spring Bliss Bowls with Pesto Rice recipe.
- extra virgin olive oil
- homemade seasoned salt and pepper
- 1 cup short grain brown rice (i use lundberg farms)
- 10 oz bag cauliflower florets trimmed into similar sized florets
- 3 small golden beets trimmed, peeled and chopped
- 1 bunch radishes trimmed then halved or quartered if
- 1/2 bunch asparagus ends trimmed then chopped into 2â€
- 1/3 cup + 1/4 cup prepared basil pesto divided (i used buitoni - see notes for homemade recipe)
- 2 tablespoons chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup pepitas/pumpkin seeds (optional)
- Carbohydrate 5.90739999997633 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.72404999999408 g
- Fiber 1.74999997106808 g
- Protein 1.06014999994083 g
- Saturated Fat 0.241288999998284 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (141g)
- Sodium 59.0622499906504 mg
- Sugar 4.15740002890825 g
- Trans Fat 0.075381499999704 g
- Calories 41 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees then line two half sheet pans with foil, spray with nonstick spray, and set aside.
- Add brown rice plus 1-3/4 cup water, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkling of seasoned salt to a small saucepan with a tight fitting lid. (If you are using a brand other then Lundberg, refer to the cooking instructions on your particular bag.) Bring to a boil then place a lid on top, turn heat down to low, and gently simmer for 40 minutes. Taste - if rice is still crunchy add 2 Tablespoons water then continue to cook for 5 more minutes. Remove pot from heat then let sit and steam with the lid on for 7 minutes before fluffing and cooling slightly. Once slightly cooled, stir in 1/3 cup pesto.
- Meanwhile, add cauliflower to a medium-sized bowl then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with seasoned salt and pepper. Spread onto one half of the first sheet pan then oil/season beets in the same bowl and spread onto the other half. Roast for 15 minutes then stir.
- While the cauliflower and beets are roasting, oil/season the radishes then spread out onto one half of the second sheet pan. Roast for 10 minutes with the beets/cauliflower then stir. Add oiled/seasoned asparagus to the remaining empty half of the second sheet pan then roast with all the other vegetables for 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Breakdown of cooking times: Cauliflower/beets: 35 minutes. Radishes: 20 minutes. Asparagus: 10 minutes.
- Add remaining 1/4 cup pesto to a small dish with chicken or vegetable broth then stir to combine.
- Scoop pesto rice into four bowls then top each bowl with a quarter of the roasted vegetables. Drizzle with pesto sauce then top with 1 Tablespoon pumpkin seeds, if using, and serve.
- For Meal Prep: Let all components cool then portion into containers, cover, and refrigerate. Microwave for 1-1:30 minutes or until warm then eat.
Spring Bliss Bowls: A Weeknight Meal That Feels Like a Spring Day
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and healthy meals that don't sacrifice flavor. This Spring Bliss Bowls recipe has become a weekly staple in my house, and it's perfect for meal prepping! The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of spring vegetables make it feel like a celebration on the plate, even when I'm short on time. Forget complicated recipes and elaborate cooking techniques; this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Asparagus and radishes add a delightful crunch, while the earthy beets and cauliflower provide a satisfying heartiness. The pesto rice is the perfect base, tying all the flavors together with a burst of freshness. It's a complete meal, packed with nutrients and bursting with spring-inspired flavors. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out, providing energy and satisfaction without leaving you feeling sluggish. I often find myself making a double batch to have leftovers for lunch throughout the week.
The magic of meal prepping: This recipe is incredibly efficient to prepare in advance. Once the vegetables are roasted and the rice is made, it’s a matter of assembling the bowls when you’re ready to eat. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Simply portion out the rice and roasted vegetables into individual containers, and you’re ready to go! When you're short on time, just reheat the bowls in the microwave, and dinner is ready in minutes. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the reheated bowls even more delicious.
Beyond the basics: I love experimenting with different variations of this recipe. Sometimes I add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Other times, I swap out the pesto for a different sauce, like a lemon vinaigrette or tahini dressing. The possibilities are endless! The base recipe is so incredibly simple that it allows you to fully customize it to your preferences and dietary needs.
Beyond the kitchen: This dish perfectly reflects the carefree feeling of spring. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors are not just a delicious meal; they’re a small celebration of the season. While I usually enjoy this as a quick weeknight meal, it’s also lovely to serve as a light and refreshing lunch for a picnic in the park. Imagine yourself enjoying this colorful bowl, basking in the spring sunshine. It's a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the season while fueling your body with delicious, healthy food.
A simple recipe for a fulfilling life: In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook nutritious and delicious meals can feel like a luxury. But this Spring Bliss Bowls recipe proves that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a testament to the idea that simple meals can be truly satisfying and that even a busy schedule can accommodate wholesome, flavorful food. More than just a meal, it's a reminder to savor the little moments and appreciate the simple pleasures in life, especially the vibrant flavors of spring.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that nourishing yourself doesn't have to be a chore. It's a joy, a celebration of fresh ingredients, and a chance to take a moment for yourself, even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. So, embrace the simplicity, the freshness, and the deliciousness of these Spring Bliss Bowls, and allow them to bring a little bit of spring into your kitchen and your heart.
