7 Healthy Buddha Bowl Recipes to Try at Home

The Modern History of Buddha Bowls

Buddha bowls have been trending for years, gaining popularity as a one-bowl-wonder that's as beautiful as it is nutritious. You can eat them with a spoon or fork, enjoying a bite of everything each time you dive in. But where did the concept of these photo-worthy bowls come from in the first place?

It turns out the origin of the Buddha bowl is a bit vague. The most convincing idea is that the brimming bowl of goodness represents Buddha's round belly and echoes the abundance, nourishment and sense of balance synonymous with Buddhist teachings. They are typically vegetarian or vegan; however, animal protein is sometimes featured. The hero ingredient/s are served on a bed of whole grains like rice or quinoa, adorned with fresh, roasted or raw veggies.

Buddha bowls can be amped with seasonings, nuts, seeds, dressings and pickled vegetables. The result is a piece of artwork, similar to a Poké bowl, that's almost too good to disturb. Their main flex, though, is their versatility. You can make a Buddha bowl on your favourite grain canvas and customise it to your individual needs.

Health Benefits of Buddha Bowls

Buddha bowls are a celebration of colours, textures and flavours, offering a range of health benefits. Because they are a wholefood-focused meal focused on freshness, they have a natural array of salad or vegetables and are loaded with complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

You can also increase the protein level by adding tofu, chickpeas or lentils and add some healthy fats with olives, avocado or salmon. Buddha bowls are also typically gluten-free, which makes them an all-around powerhouse dish capable of suiting different palates and nutrient requirements. They’re ideal if you're following a Mediterranean-style diet, Flexitarian diet, or if you're pregnant and looking for ways to boost your nutrient intake.

Below is a snapshot of the health benefits of Buddha Bowls:

• Promotes balanced nutrition: Buddha bowls are a great way to include nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources, providing a macronutrient-balanced meal.
• Reduces inflammation: With its colourful mix of vegetables, Buddha bowls are high in polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties, helping fight against inflammation and cancer, promoting healthy ageing and mitigating chronic disease onset.
• Aids healthy digestion: The fibre-rich ingredients in Buddha bowls can improve digestion and promote better gut health.
• Decreases metabolic syndrome risk: As a plant-based meal option with controlled portion sizes, Buddha bowls can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome by promoting satiety, supporting healthy weight parameters, reduce diabetes development and heart disease.
• Boosts your mood: The combination of antioxidant-rich ingredients, healthy fats, protein and complex carbohydrates in Buddha bowls can increase serotonin levels, promoting feelings of well-being and reducing stress.

How to Make Buddha Bowls at Home

Creating a Buddha bowl is a lot of fun and easier than you think. The trick to a successful Buddha bowl is all about balance and assembly. Once you master the art of Buddha-bowl making, you can enjoy a nourishing meal in no time.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making Buddha bowls at home:

1. Choose your base: It's all about the base here, so make it a good one! Start with healthy grains like brown rice, sushi rice, couscous or quinoa. 
2. Add colourful veggies: Cooked, raw or a combination of the two works wonderfully. Try roasted sweet potatoes, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes or steamed broccoli.
3. Incorporate protein: Don't forget to add a protein source to maximise your macros! Choose vegetarian and vegan options such as chickpeas, lentils or tofu. Chicken, slow-cooked lamb, salmon or sardines are great healthy protein choices, too.
4. Incorporate seeds or nuts: A handful of nuts or seeds is a surefire way to boost the nutrients, crunch and look of your Buddha bowl! Sprinkle on some black or white sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, linseeds, pepitas or chopped nuts for added texture.
5. Try a pinch of fermented food: Not always featured in Buddha bowls, but adding fermented foods or pickles is something you should certainly try. Sauerkraut, kimchi or pickled ginger are great toppers for any Buddha bowl. They add a tangy, probiotic-rich element to your meal, promoting good gut health.
6. Drizzle with a punchy dressing: Finish it off with a homemade dressing. A simple vinaigrette, lemony aioli, or tahini sauce completes the meal with a generous hit of flavour.
7. Add a superfood twist: For an added nutritional boost, add some superfoods to your Buddha bowl. Sprinkle on some Goji berries,  hemp seeds, chia seeds, or a drizzle of honey for a dose of antioxidants and vitamins.

You can create your own personalised and nourishing Buddha bowl at home with these simple steps.

Enjoy These Delicious and Wholesome Buddha Bowl Recipes

Making a healthy Buddha bowl at home is a wonderful culinary experience and a nourishing choice for your wellbeing. By thoughtfully selecting diverse ingredients and balancing flavours, textures and nutrients, you can craft a meal that satisfies any craving and health requirements. Enjoy some of these Buddha Bowl recipes to get you started.

7 Healthy and Delicious Buddha Bowl Recipes

Whether you're after a chicken Buddha bowl or a delicious vegan Buddha bowl, you'll find what you need with these seven healthy Buddha bowl recipes to try at home.