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Quinoa Veggie Bowls With Tahini Sauce – A Bright, Satisfying Weeknight Meal

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • For the quinoa bowls:
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, feta (or vegan feta), lemon wedges, chili flakes
  • For the tahini sauce:
  • 1/3 cup tahini (well-stirred)
  • 1 large lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste
  • 3–6 tablespoons warm water, as needed to thin
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin or a pinch of cayenne

Instructions

  • Cook the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine quinoa with water or broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let it steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  • Roast the veggies: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large sheet pan, toss sweet potato and broccoli with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer. Roast for 18–22 minutes, flipping once, until sweet potatoes are tender and edges are caramelized.
  • Prep fresh components: While veggies roast, slice bell pepper, halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice avocado, and thinly slice red onion. Chop parsley or cilantro. Set aside.
  • Make the tahini sauce: In a bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup or honey, and salt. It may seize up—this is normal. Whisk in warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until smooth and pourable. Adjust salt, sweetness, and acid to taste. Add cumin or cayenne if you like.
  • Assemble the bowls: Divide quinoa among bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli, then add bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion. Sprinkle herbs and any optional toppings.
  • Finish with sauce: Drizzle generously with tahini sauce. Serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.