madbaker | Here Comes the Grain Again

This week's Resolution Recipe: Grain Bowl. (Makes two.)

1 cup cooked spelt or other whole grain (I used farro)
pick and choose from:
2/3 cup kale and mushrooms, sauteed
1/2 cup pumpkin, roasted
1/2 cup sweet potato, roasted
handful of blanched snow peas
1/2 cup roasted broccoli
1/4 cup sliced cabbage
1/4 cup corn
1 small beet, roasted and sliced
other similar stuff

Dressing:
1 1/2 tsp minced fresh ginger (Ha! I used... more.)
1 1/2 tsp minced fresh garlic (Ditto)
3 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp sherry or rice wine
3 Tbsp miso paste
1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/8 cup water
juice from half lemon
pepper to taste

Layer grain in two bowls. Top with vegetables. Whisk together dressing and drizzle over bowls.

What worked: I really wanted to hate this for its hippytude, but it was actually pretty good. I think the extra fresh ginger and garlic helped significantly.

We used sweet potato, butternut squash, some interesting mushrooms from the mushroom guy at the farmer's market, a leftover roasted beet, and snow peas. I was glad we omitted the cabbage and the kale (we used sauteed chard instead). The farro had a nice tooth to it; something softer like quinoa would be less interesting. The beet was a definite win - it gave a meaty texture. (I wouldn't mind having a slice of beef filet instead if we had it left over.)

What didn't: I refuse to call this recipe by the ridiculous name given ("Buddha Bowl").

Will I make it again? If the wife wants it, yes.