Discover the Ultimate Vegan Macro Bowl: A Perfect Blend of Nutrition and Flavor

Vegan macro bowls, often referred to as Buddha bowls or power bowls, have become a staple in vegan cuisine due to their versatility, nutritional balance, and vibrant presentation. The beauty of a macro bowl lies in its simplicity and the ability to mix and match ingredients based on what’s available in your kitchen. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Magic of Macro Bowls

A macro bowl typically includes a variety of components: whole grains, protein-rich legumes, an assortment of vegetables, a tangy fermented element, and a delicious sauce to tie everything together. This combination ensures a balanced intake of macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—along with a host of vitamins and minerals.

Why Choose a Macro Bowl?

  1. Nutritional Powerhouse: By including a diverse range of ingredients, macro bowls provide a wide array of nutrients essential for a healthy diet.
  2. Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on seasonality, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand.
  3. Meal Prep Friendly: Macro bowls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to prepare components ahead of time and assemble them when needed.

Vegan Macro Bowl Recipe

Our vegan macro bowl features a delightful mix of roasted sweet potatoes, baby aubergines, sautéed spinach, and a creamy turmeric tahini sauce. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also packs a nutritional punch, making it a fantastic choice for a balanced meal.

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Vegan Macro Bowl Recipe

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This macro bowl recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit the Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) guidelines. By omitting oils and choosing whole, unprocessed ingredients, you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal that aligns with WFPB principles.

  • Author: Chloe
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 80 minutes

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Bowl:

  • 1 large sweet potato, cubed
  • (Optional) Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling – omit for WFPB
  • 23 baby tomatoes, halved
  • 4 baby aubergines, halved
  • Cooked broccoli florets
  • 8 spinach leaves, sautéed
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup cooked mung beans
  • 3/4 cup sauerkraut or other fermented veggie
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or hemp seeds
  • Microgreens, optional
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Turmeric Tahini Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 6 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated or pressed
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

Instructions

Cook the Brown Rice

  1. Rinse the Rice: Place 1 cup of brown rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
  2. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 ½ cups of water and a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Cook the Mung Beans

  1. Rinse and Soak the Beans: Rinse 1 cup of mung beans under cold water. Optionally, soak the beans in water for 4-6 hours to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
  2. Cook the Beans: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed (and soaked, if applicable) mung beans with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. If the beans were soaked, they might cook faster, around 15-20 minutes. Drain any excess water.
  3. Season the Beans:
    • Option 1 (with oil): In a small pan, heat a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add a pinch of sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any additional desired seasonings (such as cumin or garlic powder). Add the cooked mung beans to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until well-coated and flavorful. – omit for WFPB
    • Option 2 (oil-free): Simply toss the cooked mung beans with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any additional desired seasonings.

Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Roast the Sweet Potato and Baby Aubergines:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
    • Place the cubed sweet potato and halved baby aubergines on a baking sheet. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional). Toss to coat evenly. – omit oil for WFPB
    • Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender and lightly browned, and the aubergines are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
    • Oil-free option: Roast the sweet potato and baby aubergines without oil. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Cook the Broccoli and Sauté the Spinach:
    • Steam or boil the broccoli florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
    • In a pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat (optional). Add the spinach leaves and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of sea salt and set aside. – omit oil for WFPB
    • Oil-free option: Steam or sauté the spinach in a non-stick pan without oil.

Prepare the Turmeric Tahini Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, 6 tablespoons of water, grated garlic, sea salt, and nutritional yeast until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Set aside.

Assemble the Macro Bowl

  1. In a large bowl, add a base of cooked brown rice.
  2. Arrange the roasted sweet potato cubes, roasted baby aubergines, cooked broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, halved baby tomatoes, and cooked mung beans on top.
  3. Add a scoop of sauerkraut or other fermented veggies.
  4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or hemp seeds.
  5. Top with microgreens, if using.

Serve

  1. Drizzle the bowl with the Turmeric Tahini Sauce.
  2. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  3. Enjoy your nutritious and vibrant macro bowl!

Notes

Tips for Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) Cooking

  • Choose Whole Ingredients: Focus on unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Opt for whole grains, fresh vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
  • Avoid Added Oils: Use water or broth for sautéing and baking to avoid added oils.
  • Maximize Nutrient Density: Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits to ensure a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
  • Season Naturally: Use herbs, spices, and natural flavor enhancers like lemon juice, vinegar, and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 550
  • Fat: 20g per serving
  • Fiber: 12g per serving
  • Protein: 18 grams per serving

Try Our Delicious Macro Bowl Recipe Today!

Elevate your meals with our nutritious and flavorful Macro Bowl! Packed with roasted vegetables, protein-rich mung beans, and a creamy turmeric tahini sauce, this dish is perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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