Buddha Bowls
A trendy name for a layered or sectioned, full-meal bowl that each person builds themselves is the Buddha bowl. Everything (veggies, beans, protein, etc.) is put over a base, usually greens or grains. Then a signature sauce is poured on top and… voilà! A personalized meal for everyone at the table.
First, you need a base, something hearty and delicious, to create cohesiveness in your Buddha bowl: fresh or steamed greens, whole kernel grains, or root vegetables.
Next choose your toppings. Beans are not necessary in every Buddha bowl, but they add nice flavor, texture, color, and some extra protein; some other good-quality carbs; and some fat. Any beans will work (black, pinto, chickpeas, etc.—see Do-It-Yourself Beans, here), whole or pureed, like Refried Beans (here), and sometimes seasoned (simple or spicy—salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, ground chile, or even a bit of fresh salsa cooked into them). Even a bit of hummus will do.
Then choose any protein you like: chicken, beef, pork, seafood, or vegetarian proteins.
In addition to other toppings, sauté or roast some onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or other favorite vegetables to round out the bowl, or simply use leftover vegetable side dishes from the previous night’s dinner. Higher-fat toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or avocado, or fresh toppings like shredded carrots, onions, cabbage, or lightly pickled vegetables (see Do-It-Yourself Pickles, here) are also nice in these Buddha bowls.
Finally, the sauce brings your Buddha bowl together. From a simple drizzle of oil to an elaborate and flavorful sauce or a squeeze of lemon, each bowl will call for a different sauce to make it shine. Buddha bowls are also an efficient way to use leftovers.