Chickpeas Kale Quinoa Buddha Bowl

Recipe by Vibrant Plates

This Vegan Quinoa Buddha Bowl uses kale and roasted chickpeas and is completed by a delicious Avocado Cream Dressing! Simple, Vegan and Gluten-Free.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 small can chickpeas
• 1 tbs vegetable oil
• spices: salt, pepper, turmeric, cayenne pepper, red paprika
• thyme and oregano
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cup kale
• 1 carrot
• ½ cup parsley
• avocado dressing:
• 1 avocado
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbs plant-based plain yogurt
• 2 tbs water, or more as needed
• of salt
• squeeze of lemon

Method

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions: add 1 cup quinoa to a pot with 2 cups of water, season with salt and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa has soaked up all of the water. Remove from stove and set aside to cool. Run a fork through the cooked quinoa to loosen it.
2. Prepare roasted chickpeas: open can, drain chickpeas and pat dry with a paper towel. Add a table spoon of oil and season with spices: red paprika, turmeric and cayenne pepper (1/2 ts each), pinch of salt, thyme and oregano.
   
   Mix well to combine, place on a baking tray lined with baking paper, and place in the oven preheated to 200°C / 390°F. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chickpeas turn golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the avocado cream dressing: blend ingredients until smooth. Depending how thick you like your dressing add more or less water. Store in an air-tight container.
4. Prepare the vegetables: wash and dry baby spinach and kale, then cut into strips. Peel and grate carrot. Chop parsley.
5. Assemble your quinoa salad: in a bowl, place cooked quinoa, spinach, kale, carrots, roasted chickpeas, and chopped parsley. Top with a squeeze of lemon and avocado cream dressing. Serve immediately, or store in an air-tight take-away container.

View the recipe instructions at Vibrant Plates