Chill Time! Buddah Bowl, Anyone?

By Cal Orey

Welcome to a Buddha bowl, a perfect clean food choice for the dog days of summer, right? It is a plant-based meal served in a bowl, which boasts an arrangement of superfoods, including ancient grains like cooked brown rice, beans, and hot fresh vegetables. All these farm-to-table foods are arranged in a nice Zen-like balance and in a creative manner to be easy on the eyes. It’s been around for several years at health spa resorts to pre-packaged at your favorite local grocery store to even hotel menus.
These are actually salads with whole foods, including vegetables and whole grains. You can add protein, whether it be poultry, fish, or even meat. It’s a complete meal in a bowl. The bowls are in style because they can be super fresh, super flavorful, and super convenient. If you’re hungry and want to eat fresh and healthy, you’ve come to the right place!

One summer a few years ago, I prepared a multitude of dishes that are fun but take time, such as pasta salads and potato skins. While a small group of folks at my cabin were relaxing and watching the game, I, the workhorse, was in the kitchen cooking, baking, and thinking of one five letter word, “Chill.”  But I made a super vow. Next time whatever I put together when visitors visit, the food will be healthful, fast and easy. So, this recipe is inspired by hot summer days.

BUDDHA BOWL

Salad

2-2 ½ cups kale mix, chopped

1 cup cruciferous vegetables, steamed or nuked

1/2 cup tofu, grilled

½ cup avocado, slices

½ cup tomatoes, slices

1/ 2 cup feta or cheddar cheese

1 cup brown rice, cooked

1/4 cup sunflower seeds, shelled (optional)

Parmesan cheese shavings (optional)

Dressing: You can make your own olive oil and balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar dressing; ratio 3 oil to 1 vinegar and add your favorite spices and herbs. Or you can also purchase a premium all-natural store bought variety, including chunky blue cheese, herbal, thousand island, or ranch dressing--or all of them!

Buddah Bowl and Yoga, Anyone?

In a bowl, place each ingredient separately in individual groups. Arrange each food item nicely for a nice presentation. Garnish with Parm cheese.  Serve with French bread. Slice, spread with butter and garlic powder Pop in the oven under the broiler until lightly toasted. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serves 2-3. 
You can double the recipe if you like. *You can prepare these for ready-to-eat bowls. Or if you want to have more fun, put ingredients in ramekins and let people put together their own power bowls. Either way, it works! 
And you just may find the time to slip into a nirvana zone and enjoy inner balance. Yes, superfoods can do that. While you're there, try a bit of yoga, swim, walk, or run.  Or turn to Mother Nature and savor the outdoors--the lake, ocean, trees, or desert? Chill time.

Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, and Superfoods) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is www.calorey.com .