The Loaded Bowl

I have recently had quite an obsession with Sweet potatoes. After a work out, what do I crave? Sweet potatoes. So when I came across this recipe in a magazine it was a match made in heaven. And if you don't like sweet potatoes this recipe can easily be altered to your liking. The beautiful thing about it is that it is loaded with good stuff for you (hence "loaded bowl"). The base of this meal is Quinoa, which, did you know is a complete protein? Food always tastes better to me when I understand what my body is taking from it. Quinoa shines in the world of grains. Moving on, this recipe also has black beans, cilantro, tomato, avocado, onions, lime juice, olive oil and did I mention the sweet potatoes? I think this recipe stands great on its own but you could also serve it as a salad or paired with a meat of choice. The recipe came with a homemade sauce that I have yet to try, so you might want to add a favorite Cuban-esque sauce of choice. I just drizzle with olive oil and extra lime juice and call it good. Tempeh with a sauce would also be yummy with this. On to the pictures and the recipe.

My Gin and Tonic - in Honor of Ashley's Dad getting a Job! (Congrats and Hi to the Whipples!)

Cheers!

The Bowl!

The Recipe:

The Loaded Bowl

3 cups Quinoa
1 can blackbeans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh cilantro
2 avacados
fresh lemonjuice
sea salt and pepper to taste
juice of 2 limes
2 Sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
1/2 yellow onion chopped
some cherry tomatoes cute in half

Dressing (optional, I didn't try it with dressing)

1/4 c white vinegar
1/4 c olive oil
2 cloves garlic
sea salt and pepper to taste

1. Prepare Quinoa according to package directions
2. in a bowl mix beans with cilantro, salt and pepper
3. saute sweet potatoes and onions in a pan with some olive oil until tender. (I added a couple of tbsp of water just to sort of steam the potatoes, drain any water left in pan after they are tender)
4. dice avocados, drizzle with lemon juice to prevent them from browning and put in the fridge.
5. To prepare the dressing: combine dressing ingredients in a food processor until garlic is gone and appears creamy. Set aside in fridge.
6. Add the potatoes, onions, and Quinoa to the bowl of black beans and stir to combine. Stir in a little bit of lime juice (about two limes or to taste) Serve and garnish with the dressing (or lime juice and olive oil) and avocados.

Enjoy!

Sometime after the loaded bowl..........

oops. :)