These days, Instagram-ready breakfast salad bowls are popping up everywhere and at $18+ a pop, they’re not cheap. Looking for the tricks needed to get your breakfast bowl to taste as great as the one at your favourite cafe? The search is over…
STEP 1: THE BASE .
Nothing’s better than a bed of deliciously cooked grains! Try something a little more nutritious and with a little more texture such as quinoa, millet, amaranth, freekeh, brown rice or buckwheat. Cook it in stock instead of water for a little more flavour. I like to cook up a big batch of grains in my rice cooker on Sunday and use throughout the week. And what’s better than one grain…a duo! Try mixing brown rice and quinoa or millet with buckwheat. The possibilities are endless.
STEP 2: THE GREENS.
Thinly slice your kale and give it a massage with some olive oil or with apple cider vinegar to moisten and help digestion. If you’re short on time try a handful or two of fresh spinach leaves instead. Now is also the time to add in any chopped herbs you like! Try parsley, coriander, dill or basil. Finely chopped spring onions also add a hit of flavour.
STEP 3: THE FUN STUFF.
Here’s where things start to get interesting…Some of my favourite fun things to add in include avocado, goats feta, grilled halloumi, sultanas, kim chi or sauerkraut, brown lentils, leftover roasted veggies or a poached or fried egg (on top).
STEP 4: THE CRUNCH.
For an amazing textural experience try adding some toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pine nuts and pistachios work well) or if you like try some seeds such as sesame, hemp or pumpkin seeds. A tablespoon of dukkah tossed into the mix is always a winner too!
STEP 5: THE DRESSING.
It’s all about the dressing. If keeping it simple try basil pesto or hummus. Otherwise, a miso tahini dressing drizzled on top would be damn delicious too!
Miso Tahini Dressing
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 tablespoon red miso
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup or more warm water
- freshly cracked black pepper
In a small bowl or lidded jar, combine the tahini, miso and lemon juice. Mix with a spoon into a smooth paste. Add the warm water gradually, stirring or shaking (if using a jar) until the dressing reaches desired consistency. It may need more than 1/4 cup. Taste for seasoning. Add pepper if desired.
Article by Kavisha Jega
F: www.facebook.com/kavishajega
I: @kavisha_jega
