Grain Bowl

I often say when describing my cooking style that I rarely create a complete meal from scratch from start to finish in one day.  Most of my meals are component-based, and I have most pieces ready to use because I prepared them beforehand.  This helps with time saving, versatility in my meals, and overall enjoyment of the cooking process (anytime I have to make a big spread, I end up grumpy and exhausted).  Essentially, this recipe is a reflection of this cooking style.  It incorporates multiple elements, the recipes of which are posted and linked.  I hope this recipe proves accessible to many since ingredients and pieces can be substituted based on availability and taste.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 2 slices of onion, quartered
• 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-4 tomatoes, diced
• ¼ bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup grains, cooked (I used farro)
• ¼ cucumber, sliced
• 2-4 olives
• 2-4 Tbsp. hummus
• 2-4 falafel
• Raita sauce (garnish)
• Cilantro, chopped (garnish)

Method

To make the vegetable sauté

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan on the stove at medium heat
2. Add the onion, garlic, and spices to the pan to sauté
3. Add the tomatoes and bell pepper
4. Sauté mixture until tomatoes release their juices and the mixture reduces slightly
5. Add salt and pepper to taste

To assemble

1. In a serving bowl, place grains at the bottom
2. Spoon vegetable sauté over grains on one side of the bowl
3. Decorate with falafel, hummus, olives, and cucumber
4. Garnish with raita sauce and cilantro
5. Serve and enjoy

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•