Post sponsored by Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs. See below for more details.
It is really amazing that I do not have more grain bowl recipes on this site. A grain bowl is by far the biggest staple meal for our family. Need a filling breakfast? Grain bowl! How about a last-minute dinner made from leftovers? Grain bowl!
You can practically make a grain bowl any way but I have a few tips that might help you make it even better or easier!) For starters, try using components. Whip up some roasted vegetables and grains on the weekend, making this a practically instant meal during the weekdays.
Also, use whatever egg method your like best. I skip around depending on what I’m feeling that day (and one of the reasons I love keeping Pete and Gerry Organic Eggs on hand!) Pan-fried, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or scramble all work great in this recipe.
The foundation of the bowl but easily changeable. I love using farro because it’s hearty and provides an amazing texture to the overall dish. However, you could easily use quinoa, millet, sorghum, or barley.
If you’re in a hurry and did not prep the grains ahead of time, I’d recommend using bulgur. It’s quick and delicious, making this meal from scratch a bit quicker.
The Eggs: Pete and Gerry Organic
I’m excited for another partnership with Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs this year. One of the reasons I love using their eggs is because I know the company is deeply invested in protecting the land, since they’re a Certified B Corporation. The eggs are also produced humanely, making sure the chickens are well-cared for.
Grain Bowl: Hummus, forever.
Next in line for the components: hummus. I know this isn’t for everyone but I can’t eat a grain bowl without it. It’s the binder and helps bring a bit more flavor to the overall recipe. Best of all, you can use any kind of flavored hummus you like.
I typically go with roasted garlic hummus but roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomato, lemon-dill, or beet hummus all work.
Vegetables
Finally, the vegetables. The beautiful thing about these grain bowls is that the cauliflower is easy to replace. Carrots, squash, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans- every seasons holds a few different types of grain bowl options!
Also, if you don’t feel like turning on the oven, I’ve been known to steam the cauliflower then toss it with a smoked paprika compound butter. A little decadent but oh-so-good.
1 cup microgreens (I used broccoli but you can use whatever)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Place the cauliflower on a sheet tray and toss with the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt. Place in the oven and roast until golden and tender; 25 to 30 minutes.
When the cauliflower is done, assemble the bowls. I like to use low, shallow bowls. Scoop hummus into the bowl and give a good swirl around part of the bowl. Top with the farro, roasted cauliflower, fried egg, microgreens, pepitas, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
Use leftover grains and roasted vegetables if desired!
I did not like tomatoes as a child. My mom grew tomatoes in our garden and I always turned up my nose at them. What a missed opportunity to enjoy something so delicious! As an adult with my own garden, I was excited to grow a big harvest this summer. Unfortunately, both tomato plants died before they produced any fruit! If you’re lucky enough to have a homegrown bounty of fresh tomatoes still warm from the summer sun, I beg you to make this marinated tomato and avocado salad.
In fact, I beg you to make this marinated tomato and avocado salad even if you don’t have a vegetable garden. That is, unless you’ve discovered this recipe in the dead of winter and all you can find are bland greenhouse tomatoes. In that case, bookmark this page and come back in summer when tomatoes have the absolute best flavor. I used pearl tomatoes on the vine for this recipe because they’re the perfect bite size when sliced into quarters. Feel free to use whatever tomatoes you have on hand!
This marinated tomato and avocado salad is a fantastic summer recipe whether you’re barbecuing at home or headed out for a picnic. The tomatoes can chill in the fridge while you prep the rest of your feast, making this a really simple recipe to prepare if you’re in charge of multiple dishes. Dice and add the avocado just before serving for the best results.
While incredibly fresh and delicious on its own, there are many ways you can bulk up this marinated tomato and avocado salad if you need to feed a crowd. Try adding cooked quinoa, couscous, or farro. Or, turn it into a pasta salad by adding cooked and cooled shells or penne. I have big plans to spread this salad on crusty bread for a bruschetta-inspired appetizer.
1 or 2 ripe avocados, diced (depending on your preference and the size of your avocados)
⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Quarter the pearl tomatoes and place them in a large bowl. Peel the red onion and cut it in half from tip to root. Place the flat part of the onion on your cutting board and carefully slice it into thin half moons. Add the onion to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Combine the chopped garlic, lime juice, olive oil, agave, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and stir to combine. The marinade should be salty, tangy, and just a tad sweet – adjust the ingredients until balanced.
Pour the marinade over the sliced tomatoes and onion and gently toss to coat. Marinate the tomatoes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Just before serving, drain any excess liquid from the tomatoes. Tip: if you’re serving this salad with cooked quinoa, couscous, or pasta, reserve the marinade for extra dressing. Transfer the marinated tomatoes and onions to a serving platter and add the diced avocado. Top with chopped cilantro and serve fresh.