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Cozy Loaded Lentil Power Bowl with Tahini Drizzle

cozy loaded lentil power bowl with tahini drizzle - featured image

A hearty, nutritious, and delicious vegan dinner featuring earthy lentils, roasted sweet potatoes, fresh kale, and a creamy tahini drizzle. Perfect for meal prep and customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), cubed into ½-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
  • ½ cup pickled red onions
  • ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • ⅓ cup tahini, well-stirred
  • ¼ cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup warm water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cook the lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, smashed garlic cloves, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess liquid, remove the bay leaves and garlic cloves, and set aside.
  3. Roast the sweet potatoes: While the lentils cook, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  4. Make the tahini drizzle: In a small bowl or jar, combine the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk or shake until smooth. Slowly add the warm water, a tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until you reach a pourable consistency. Set aside.
  5. Prepare the kale: Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Using your hands, massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and softens.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Divide the massaged kale among serving bowls. Top with a generous scoop of cooked lentils, a handful of roasted sweet potatoes, a few slices of avocado (if using), a sprinkle of pickled red onions, and a scattering of pumpkin seeds. Drizzle generously with the tahini sauce.
  7. Serve immediately. This bowl is best enjoyed warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.

Notes

For meal prep, store components separately and assemble just before eating. The tahini drizzle will thicken in the fridge; add a splash of warm water and stir before using. Massaging the kale is essential for tenderness. If your tahini is bitter, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to balance it.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil bowl, power bowl, vegan dinner, tahini drizzle, sweet potato, kale, meal prep, healthy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free