Autumn Harvest Bowl with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

This Autumn Harvest Bowl is total comfort food! Roasted veggies, fluffy quinoa, and a Maple-Dijon dressing? Yes, please! Get ready for the best vege meals ideas. A family fave!

Alright, let's dive into the magic of a good harvest bowl . ever find yourself craving something hearty but also, you know, good for you? this recipe is my go-to.

Honestly, my harvest bowl has become a weekly thing. it's bursting with autumn flavors and textures.

Autumn's Best in a Bowl

This isn't just some random salad. this is a harvest bowl , inspired by the colours of fall. it's a celebration of root veggies.

This recipe is super easy and takes about an hour, start to finish. it yields 4 generous servings, perfect for family veggie dinner ideas .

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Bowl

This recipe is amazing, trust me. it's packed with nutrients and tastes amazing. the butternut squash gives you a great boost.

It's a perfect dinner ideas veggie heavy option for a quick weeknight dinner. this bowl is special because it feels indulgent.

It satisfies that comfort food craving without any of the guilt. plus, it's easy to customize based on what you have in the fridge or pantry.

Many use better me app recipes to build on this.

Gather 'Round The Ingredients

To make it short, for this amazing vege meals ideas :

• Butternut squash
• Brussels sprouts
• Red onion
• Quinoa
• Pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Ingredients & Equipment: The Key to Harvest Bowl Bliss

So, you wanna make an epic harvest bowl ? sweet! it all starts with having the right stuff. this ain't rocket science, i promise.

Let's break it down. i'm all about dinner ideas veggie heavy . and it should be easy, right?

Main Ingredients Breakdown

First up, the stars of the show. Accurate measurements are important, so grab your spoons!

• Butternut Squash: 1 medium (about 2 lbs / 900g ). This has to be firm. Avoid any that are bruised or feel soft to the touch.
• Brussels Sprouts: 1 lb (450g) , trimmed and halved. Fresh is best. They should be bright green and tightly closed, not yellowing or loose.
• Red Onion: 1 . A good, medium one, cut into wedges.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for roasting the veggies, plus 3 tablespoons (45ml) for the vinaigrette.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds that woodsy autumn touch.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) for the veggies, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) for the dressing.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) for the veggies, 1/8 teaspoon (0.625ml) for the dressing. Freshly ground is where it's at!
• Quinoa: 1 cup (180g) , rinsed. I use the Better Me App Recipes to help me remember to rinse!
• Vegetable Broth: 2 cups (480ml) . This is key for cooking the quinoa.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . The tang is amazing.
• Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . REAL maple syrup. Seriously, don't cheap out here.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a little kick.
• Garlic: 1 clove , minced.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Power!

Alright, let's chat seasoning. This is how we make magic happen in our harvest bowl !

• Thyme + Salt + Pepper: The base for amazing roasted vegetables.
• Maple Syrup + Dijon: The secret weapon for the vinaigrette. It's both sweet and savory.
• No apple cider vinegar? Lemon juice can work in a pinch.

I swear the spice combinations make this a top tier bowl!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really don't need fancy gadgets. I like simple vege meals ideas . Here's what you really need:

• Large Baking Sheet: For roasting the veggies. If you have two, even better!
• Medium Saucepan with Lid: To cook the quinoa.
• Whisk: For the vinaigrette.
• Large Bowl: To assemble the whole glorious harvest bowl .

Seriously, that's it. you probably already have this stuff! think simple, think delicious. think family veggie dinner ideas ! it is time for a less meat meals lifestyle, one bowl at a time.

I love finding new vegetarian recipes bowls to get me on the healthy eating bowls path. if you try this one please let me know!

Alright, let's dive into making this awesome harvest bowl ! i’m so excited to share this. trust me, it's easier than it sounds.

We are gonna make a family veggie dinner ideas anyone can enjoy.

Cooking Method: Roasting those Veggies to Perfection

Honestly, roasting is like, the easiest way to make veggies taste amazing. you know? like, even if you’re not a huge vegetable fan, roasting them brings out a natural sweetness.

It's all about that caramelization, baby! think dinner ideas veggie heavy but super tasty.

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. it's basically a fancy french term for getting everything prepped and ready to go.

Chop that butternut squash into cubes. halve the brussels sprouts. wedge that red onion. this part is essential for minimizing chaos.

Essential Mise en Place

Peel, seed, and cube 2 lbs (900g) butternut squash. Trim and halve 1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts. Cut 1 red onion into wedges. It’s like an artist preparing their canvas, you know?

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Honestly? I sometimes chop the veggies the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. It’s a total lifesaver on busy weeknights! Plus, that's great vege meals ideas .

Step-by-Step Process: Roast It Like You Mean It

Here’s the deal. Roasting is simple but the details matter.

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Trust me on this temp .
2. In a big bowl, toss the veggies with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Spread the veggies on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Overcrowding steams them and nobody wants that.
4. Roast for 30- 35 minutes , flipping halfway.
5. Look for that golden-brown, slightly caramelized look. That's when you know it's ready . Aim for an internal temperature of around 180- 200° F (82- 93° C) . You can use this on a better me app recipes .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Roast

Don't Overcrowd the Pan . This is, like, the biggest roasting sin. If you cram too much on there, they steam instead of roast. Use two pans, if needed!

The right oil matters . olive oil is my go-to. but avocado oil works great too. the high smoke point prevents it from burning at high heat.

This gives you hummus recipes healthy .

Make Ahead . Roast the veggies a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them before you assemble your harvest bowl .

Seriously, this autumn harvest bowl is a game-changer. this would be amazing less meat meals . you have to make vegetarian recipes bowls now!.

This is healthy eating bowls at its finest, so go on, give it a go!

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about this absolute winner of a harvest bowl recipe. it's not just about the instructions, you know? it's the little things that elevate it from "meh" to "omg, this is amazing!".

Plus, a few notes to make sure you nail it every single time.

Recipe Notes

Plating Like a Pro (Serving Suggestions)

Okay, so we’ve got this gorgeous harvest bowl , right? but presentation matters! think colourful layers. start with the quinoa, then strategically arrange the roasted veggies.

A little height never hurt anyone! sprinkle the pecans and cranberries so they're evenly distributed, then generously drizzle with that incredible vinaigrette.

Honestly, it looks like something you'd get in a fancy restaurant! and if you're having family veggie dinner ideas , serve it as a main course!.

This is why is included in the list of dinner ideas veggie heavy . for sides? a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be fab.

Or even a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all that lovely dressing. and a warm mug of apple cider? chef's kiss .

Storage Secrets (Storage Tips)

Right, leftovers. if you're anything like me, you'll be inhaling this harvest bowl straight away. but if you have leftovers, store the components separately.

Keep the roasted veggies in one container, the quinoa in another, and the vinaigrette in a small jar. this stops everything from getting soggy.

The veggies and quinoa will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. the vinaigrette? even longer! i wouldn't recommend freezing, to be honest.

Roasted veggies tend to get a bit mushy after freezing and thawing. reheating is easy. just microwave the quinoa and veggies until warm.

Give the vinaigrette a good shake and drizzle it over.

Remix Time! (Variations)

Fancy switching things up a bit? go for it! for a bowl recipes vegan version, just ensure your broth is veggie.

And you can find many hummus recipes healthy to add a spoon on the side! want to make it gluten-free? no problem! just double-check that your quinoa is certified gluten-free.

And for those watching their sugar intake? you could reduce the amount of maple syrup in the vinaigrette. vege meals ideas are always a great idea for a vegetarian diet.

Speaking of seasonal, in the summertime, swap the butternut squash for grilled peaches or corn. it's all about using what's fresh and delicious! for less meat meals , this is perfect.

This is why is one of the favorite vegetarian recipes bowls .

Health Boost (Nutrition Basics)

So, let's be real, this harvest bowl isn't just tasty, it's good for you too. we're talking fiber, vitamins, antioxidants.

.. the whole shebang! the butternut squash and brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins a and c. quinoa is a complete protein, which is awesome for building and repairing muscles.

And those pecans? healthy fats! plus, the maple-dijon vinaigrette is way healthier than your average creamy dressing. it is a healthy eating bowls great example of a better me app recipes .

Of course, portion control is key. but honestly, this bowl is so satisfying, you won't need a huge serving. it makes it good family veggie dinner ideas .

So, there you have it! All the extra bits and bobs you need to make this harvest bowl an absolute triumph. Go forth, and create! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the Harvest Bowl components ahead of time?

Absolutely! Roasting the vegetables and cooking the quinoa can be done a day or two in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette can also be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld. This makes assembling your harvest bowl super quick when you're ready to eat - perfect for busy weeknights, like catching up on Bake Off!

What are some good substitutions for butternut squash in this Harvest Bowl recipe?

If you're not a fan of butternut squash, or it's not in season, acorn squash or sweet potatoes are excellent alternatives. They roast similarly and offer a similar sweetness. You could even use pumpkin if you're feeling particularly festive, like it's Bonfire Night!

How should I store leftover Harvest Bowl?

Leftover harvest bowl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's best to store the vinaigrette separately to prevent the other ingredients from getting soggy. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or broth to the quinoa to keep it from drying out. Think of it like giving it a little pick-me-up!

Can I customize the dressing for my harvest bowl?

Definitely! The Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette is a great base, but feel free to adjust it to your liking. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more apple cider vinegar. For a sweeter dressing, add more maple syrup (or even a bit of honey!). You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as smoked paprika or dried rosemary. It's all about finding your perfect cuppa...err, perfect dressing!

How can I make this Harvest Bowl vegan?

Making this harvest bowl vegan is super easy! Just ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly. You might also want to double-check the maple syrup you're using, though most are naturally vegan, some producers might use bone char in the filtering process (though this is rare). The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, so you're good to go! Enjoy your plant-powered bowl!

Is this Harvest Bowl healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Absolutely! This harvest bowl is packed with nutrients. Butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins and fiber, while quinoa provides protein and essential amino acids. The pecans offer healthy fats, and the dried cranberries contribute antioxidants. The Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette uses natural sweeteners and healthy oils, making it a much better choice than many store-bought dressings. It's practically a superfood in a bowl!

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