The origin of Buddha bowls, also known as nourish bowls or grain bowls, is not entirely clear, but they are thought to have evolved from macrobiotic and vegetarian cuisines. The name “Buddha bowl” is thought to come from the rounded shape of the bowl, which resembles the belly of the Buddha.
Buddha bowls typically consist of a combination of whole grains (such as brown rice, quinoa, or millet), legumes (such as chickpeas or lentils), vegetables (such as roasted or steamed), and a sauce or dressing (such as pesto, tahini, or vinaigrette). The idea behind the Buddha bowl is to create a balanced and nourishing meal that provides a variety of nutrients and flavors in one convenient and visually appealing dish.
Here’s a recipe for a nutrient buddha bowl with pistachio pesto:

Serving size and preparation time:

Serving size: This recipe makes 4 portions.
Preparation time: 20-30 minutes
Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 40-60 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the pistachio pesto:
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the bowl:

• 4 cups cooked brown or white rice
• 2 cups cooked or grilled vegetables of your choice (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini)
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the pistachio pesto: In a food processor, pulse together the basil, pistachios, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook the rice according to the package instructions and set it aside.
3. Cook or grill the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
4. In a large bowl, assemble the ingredients by dividing the cooked rice into four portions and arranging them in the bottom of the bowl.
5. Top each portion of rice with the cooked or grilled vegetables, chickpeas, and avocado.
6. Drizzle each bowl with some of the pistachio pesto and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve and enjoy your Buddha bowl with pistachio pesto!

Seasoning and garnishing ideas

Here are some seasoning and garnishing ideas to add extra flavor and texture to your Buddha bowl with pistachio pesto:

1. Spices: Sprinkle the bowl with some chilli flakes, cumin, or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
2. Seeds and nuts: Add some toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped almonds for a crunchy texture and extra nuttiness.
3. Fresh herbs: Chop some fresh cilantro, parsley, or basil and sprinkle it over the bowl for a fresh, herbal flavor.
4. Dried fruit: Add some dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a sweet and chewy contrast to the savory pesto.
5. Croutons: Top the bowl with some homemade or store-bought croutons for a crunchy texture and extra breadiness.
6. Cheese: Grate some extra Parmesan cheese over the top of the bowl for a salty and nutty flavor.
7. Hot sauce: Drizzle some hot sauce over the top of the bowl for a spicy and tangy flavor.

Experiment with these seasonings and garnishes to find your favorite combination, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of your Buddha bowl with pistachio pesto!

Buddha bowls have become popular in recent years as a healthy and convenient meal option, and they can be customized to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. Overall, Buddha bowls are a versatile and tasty way to incorporate a variety of wholesome and nutritious ingredients into one meal, and they are a great way to support a healthy and balanced lifestyle.