BUDDHA BOWL WITH BAKED LENTILS AND SWEET POTATOES

Delicious and nutritious Buddha bowl for your workday lunch. This Buddha bowl is tasty, quick to prepare and perfect for your workday lunch. It adheres to the principles of a healthy and balanced meal, packed with greens, hydrating vegetables, plant-based proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. With just one bowl, you'll get all the essential nutrients you need, leaving you feeling satisfied without overwhelming your digestive system. Another great advantage is that this Buddha bowl is suitable for winter, when fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers may not be available or their flavor may not be at its best.

Ingredients

• Greens (the more, the better - if you have the option, mix different types - I use arugula, kale and spinach)

• Carrot

• Sweet potato

• Garlic cloves

• Cooked lentils

• Avocado

• For the dressing: cheddar dressing (see the recipe)

• Spices: salt, pepper, cumin

• For added nutrition: fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, etc. (optional)

Instructions

I wash the sweet potatoes and cut them into cubes. I add salt, cumin and squeeze in some garlic cloves, then mix everything well.

I place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Next to them, I add cooked lentils, which I also season a bit. I then put everything in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 45 minutes. While they are baking, I stir the lentils occasionally to ensure they brown on all sides.

I remove the kale leaves from the stems and place them in a bowl. I pour boiling water over them and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. After that, I drain the water. The kale leaves are now ready for a light meal.

I shred the carrots into thin strips using a mandoline.

Now, I assemble a Buddha bowl: I fill a bowl with various greens, aiming for them to make up half of the plate. I add the carrots, roasted sweet potatoes and lentils alongside. I slice an avocado and place it in the center, then serve it with cheddar dressing. Finally, I generously sprinkle some herbs on top.

If you're looking for more protein, you can also add a few tablespoons of hummus (see the recipe).

BON APPETIT!