These bowls truly felt nourishing, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. We just got back from a trip and I was looking to create a meal that was pretty healthy and veggie-filled, and also to make something with whatever we had on hand in the pantry. Packed with protein-rich lentils, hearty quinoa, and roasted sweet potatoes, this came together with the smoky, creamy chipotle sauce. I feel like the sauce took these bowls that could have been bland right on up to the next level of joyous and amazing.
Since this little creation turned out so well I thought I'd go ahead and share it. I would classify this meal as easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of wholesome ingredients. Here’s how I put it together:
Ingredients
For the Bowl:
- 1 large sweet potato, cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup red quinoa
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- ½ red onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen spinach (or fresh)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Seasonings: Salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder
For the Creamy Smoky Chipotle Sauce:
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tbsp mayo (or Greek yogurt)
How to Make It
Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Toss the cubed sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- No air fryer? Sauté on the stove for about 10 minutes before adding other veggies, or roast in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes.
Prepare the Quinoa & Lentils:
- In separate pots, bring 1 cup quinoa and 1 cup lentils to a boil with water or chicken broth, according to package directions.
- Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes.
Sauté the Veggies:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the bell pepper, red onion, and spinach until tender-crisp.
Make the Chipotle Sauce:
- Blend together chipotle peppers, honey, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, water, and mayo (or Greek yogurt) until smooth.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Layer quinoa, lentils, roasted sweet potatoes, and sautéed veggies in a bowl.
- Drizzle generously with chipotle sauce.
Why You'll Love This Meal
✅ Packed with plant-based protein from quinoa and lentils.
✅ Loaded with fiber and nutrients from sweet potatoes and veggies.
✅ Bold and smoky flavor with a hint of spice from the chipotle sauce.
✅ Easy to customize—swap veggies, add avocado, or top with a sprinkle of feta cheese.
This dish left me feeling completely satisfied, full of energy, and guilt-free. It’s a meal I’ll definitely be making again!
Have you tried a quinoa bowl like this before? What are your favorite things to add? What sauces have you used? Let me know in the comments!
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