Bowls
Bowls are a good choice for anybody cooking on a budget. A base of grains or legumes, a layer of vegetables, and whatever toppings are on hand come together into a complete, nourishing meal that costs very little and is quick to assemble.
Key points
- Bowls are easy to scale up or down depending on what is available
- Their base ingredients are among the most affordable and nutritious foods
- They lend themselves to using up small quantities of vegetables, grains, or meat
- Bowls can be eaten hot or cold
The idea behind bowls is not new. A grain or legume base, a selection of vegetables, a small amount of protein, and a sauce is one of the oldest and most economical ways to feed people well.
Bowls can be eaten warm or cold, which makes them useful for packed lunches or hot dinners. The vegetables in a bowl can be raw, roasted, steamed, pickled, or a combination of all four.
Bowls are flexible and don’t requiring any particular recipe. The base can stay the same, while other ingredients might change every day depending on what is available, what is on sale, and what needs to be used up before it goes off.
One large batch of beans or rice makes it easy to assemble bowl meals in just a few minutes on any night.
Ingredients that work well in bowls:
- Grains and legumes: Rice, barley, farro, bulgur wheat, beans, lentils, chickpeas provide a cheap base
- Raw vegetables: Shredded cabbage, grated carrot, sliced cucumber, or pickles add crunch and freshness
- Roasted or cooked vegetables: Sweet potato, cauliflower, peas, or edamame add colour and nutrition
- Dressing: Tahini, yogurt, soy sauce, or any other dressing on hand pull everything together
A few sources for inspiration:
- One-Bowl Meals to Make Right Now by the kitchn
- 25 Vegetarian Bowls by Eating Well
- Buddha Bowls by Feasting at Home