As the autumn chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, wholesome grain bowl to warm you from the inside out. Bulgur, farro, quinoa, and brown rice are all excellent options for an autumnal grain bowl, as they’re packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients to satisfy your hunger on a cool fall day.
For extra nutrition, add a variety of roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, butternut squash, broccoli, and carrots. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of fall veggies and gives them a delicious crisp-tender texture. Top your bowl with a protein of your choice, such as chickpeas, lentils, grilled chicken, or a soft-boiled egg.
A creamy tahini dressing or maple-mustard vinaigrette help tie all the flavors together. For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds. Fresh or dried fruit, like pomegranate arils, raisins, or cranberries provide a bright pop of sweetness.
A grain bowl is endlessly customizable based on your tastes and what you have on hand. For extra heartiness, you might add earthy, umami-packed mushrooms, mashed avocado, or sautéd kale. A final flourish of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or mint adds freshness.
The combination of nutty grains, hearty veggies, protein, crunchy toppings and a flavorful dressing is satisfying and nourishing. As colder weather drives us indoors, a wholesome grain bowl is ideal comfort food that also happens to be healthy. They require minimal effort to make but yield a bowlful of warmth and nutrition.
Whether you opt for an autumn-inspired mix of squash, Brussels sprouts and pumpkin seeds or a harvest medley of mushrooms, carrots and chickpeas, a hearty grain bowl is a perfect solution for a quick, wholesome meal. Fall is the ideal time to cozy up to a soul-warming bowl of your favorite grains, seasonal produce and protein. A delicious, nutritious grain bowl is comfort food you can feel good about.