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Callie’s Cabin: Warm up to wintry super Buddha bowl (recipe)

Cal Orey
Callie’s Cabin

Welcome to a Buddha bowl, a perfect wintertime salad choice for Super Bowl Sunday, right?

This power bowl is a vegetarian meal served in a bowl, which boasts an arrangement of superfoods. A group of nature’s foods are arranged in a nice Zen-like balance and in a creative way to be easy on the eyes for a super presentation.

Buddha bowls have been around for several years at health spa resorts to pre-packaged bowls located in the salad section at your grocery store to even gracing hotel menus.



These power bowls are actually salads with whole foods, including vegetables and whole grains. It’s a complete meal in a bowl. The bowls are in trendy because they can be super fresh, super flavorful, and super convenient. If you’re hungry and want to eat fresh and healthy, you’ve come to the right place.

One Super Bowl Sunday, I prepared a multitude of hot dishes that make for fun finger foods but take time, like pot stickers and chicken wings. When a few neighbors were in my cabin, relaxing by the fire and watching the game, I, the workhorse was working — in the kitchen cooking, baking, and thinking of one five letter word: “Chill.”



But I was doing everything but kicking back with the crowd. Next time whatever I put together when visitors visit, the food will be a DIY display for everyone. So, this recipe is inspired by Super Bowl day.

BUDDAH BOWL

Salad

2-2 ½ cups kale mix, chopped

1 cup cruciferous vegetables, steamed or nuked

½ cup avocado, chopped

½ cup tomatoes, chopped

½ cup feta or cheddar cheese

¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)

¼ cup red onion slices (optional)

1 cup brown rice, cooked

¼ cup walnuts, chopped

6-8 ounces beans, jumbo shrimp or chicken chunks, cooked (optional)

Parmesan cheese shavings (optional)

Dressing

You can make your own olive oil and balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar dressing; ratio 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar and add your favorite spices and herbs. Or you can also purchase a premium all-natural store bought variety. Herbal, ranch, thousand island can all do the trick.

In a bowl, place each ingredient (at least six) separately in individual groups. Arrange each food item nicely for a super presentation. Garnish with Parmesan cheese. If the vegetables and rice are hot it makes it a more warming bowl on a cold day.

Serve with French bread or a baguette. Slice, spread with butter and garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic). Pop in the oven under the broiler until lightly toasted. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serves three to four. You can double the recipe if you like. Or if you want to have more fun, and less complaints from picky eaters, put ingredients in ramekins and let people put together their personalized super power bowls.

You don’t have to work up a sweat. Offer hot tea or wine. And yeah, chill. You will enter your Zen zone all day long.

Cal Orey, M.A., is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, and Superfoods) published by Kensington. The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club. Her website is http://www.calorey.com.


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