Vegan Green Veggie Grain Bowls

It was the day after an extreme slow cooker disaster - one that involved a walk of shame to the bin. We had also, that same evening, watched a film that had massively under-delivered and the combined result of a gross dinner and viewing displeasure had left us feeling rather bleugh.

The following night, I wanted dinner to pick up our spirits and get us back on a positive track. So let me introduce you to these Vegan Green Veggie Bowls.

Sometimes it takes just one killer ingredient to create a dinner delight. It’s often the dressing and there’s no denying that the dressing is important here, but honestly, these vegan bowls are a combination where every ingredient has a part to play in its glory.

Let me walk you through the ingredients -

1. Grains - I used some Quick Cook Spelt from Waitrose (this is not an affiliate link; just a recommendation). I cooked the whole bag and then portioned what I didn't use in flat bags (to take up less freezer space) for another dinner, another day. Other grains are available - you could use something like brown rice, pearl barley or freekeh, but try to choose a whole grain as it will serve you better on taste and satisfaction. The grains give the BITE in this dish.
2. Spinach and fresh coriander - I used baby spinach which required no preparation + a few coriander leaves. The spinach and the coriander give the FRESHNESS in this dish.
3. Roasted broccoli - I cut the florets from a head of broccoli but a bag of broccolini would also work. Roasting it retains some crunch and also gives a smokiness that is special. The roasted broccoli gives the SMOKINESS in this dish.
4. Avocado - always an easy and popular addition. The avocado gives the CREAMINESS in this dish.
5. Pickled Red Onions - sliced red onions left to steep in lime juice. I use them a lot. The pickled red onions give the TANG (+ the beautiful colour) in this dish.
6. Spicy Pumpkin Seeds - I’m not sure how widely available these are, but any nuts or seeds with a spicy flavour would work. Chop them into smaller pieces if they’re large. The spicy pumpkin seeds give the HEAT and the CRUNCH in this dish.
7. Dressing - I borrowed this from a recipe on the blog 'Dinner A Love Story'; Dijon mustard, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, sriracha - and shake it up in a jar. And the dressing gives so much in this dish - HEAT, TANG, SALTINESS, SWEETNESS. Delicious.

This is the dinner that I’ll be serving the next time I hear those fateful words, ‘Did I tell you that I’m vegan?’ But it’s also a great mid-week dinner that will leave you feeling good as well as kitchen smart. It’s also a perfect meal to eat out of a bowl, on your lap, in your PJs and in front of Netflix if it’s been that kind of day.

Here’s a reminder of why I think you’ll enjoy these Vegan Green Veggie Grain Bowls -

• They’re tasty - BITE + FRESHNESS + SMOKINESS + CREAMINESS + TANG + SPICINESS + SALTINESS + SWEETNESS = DELICIOUS
• They’re nutritious - with whole grains, lots of vegetables, healthy fats and a homemade dressing (with no mystery ingredients).
• They’re on trend - this may even get a teenager thumbs up (vegan + served in a bowl). My boys would request some salmon or chicken on top. I could do that.
• They’re easy - all of the parts can be prepared ahead of time. Then it’s just about combining.
• The leftovers are great - this is a sensational next-day dish. The avocado will go brown though, so douse it in the dressing to minimise the damage.

I love this dish. Will definitely cook again. And again. And that’s my ultimate compliment.

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