Hearty Winter Grain Bowl (Printable)

Warm grains, roasted root vegetables, hearty kale, and creamy tahini dressing create this nourishing winter bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup farro or quinoa
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water

→ Roasted Root Vegetables

03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
05 - 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Greens

10 - 4 cups kale or Swiss chard, stems removed and chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1 clove garlic, minced
13 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Dressing

14 - 1/4 cup tahini
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
16 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
17 - 2 tablespoons warm water, plus more as needed
18 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
19 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Toppings

20 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
21 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
22 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How to Cook:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.
03 - Rinse grains. In a medium saucepan, combine grains and broth or water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender (approximately 20 minutes for quinoa, 30 minutes for farro). Drain any excess liquid.
04 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chopped greens with a pinch of salt; cook, stirring frequently, until wilted (3–4 minutes).
05 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, warm water, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add additional water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
06 - Divide warm grains evenly between four serving bowls. Top each with roasted vegetables and sautéed greens. Drizzle generously with dressing.
07 - Garnish each bowl with toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled feta cheese if desired, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins from kale, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
  • Customizable: Easily adapted for gluten-free or vegan lifestyles.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Most components can be prepared in advance for quick assembly.
02 -
  • Rinse Grains: Always rinse quinoa or farro before cooking to remove bitterness or excess starch.
  • Dressing Thickness: Tahini brands vary; add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing is pourable but thick.
  • Don't Overcrowd: Spread vegetables in a single layer on the pan for the best roasted texture.
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