Plant-Powered Bowl with Creamy Dairy-Free Garlic Dressing

Plant-based bowls offer versatility, simplicity and beauty to healthy lifestyles. Enjoy this macro bowl featuring turmeric roasted cauliflower, spinach, zucchini and more.

Few meals satisfy all my senses, while also energizing me, more than a giant bowl of plants. Part of the beauty in a plant-based bowl (also known as a #macrobowl) is both the versatility and simplicity. I usually start with a base of spinach, brown rice or quinoa, then add in legumes, seasonal vegetables, nuts/seeds and finally top with a creamy homemade dressing.  

Anti-inflammatory Macro Bowl and Creamy Garlic Dressing (Vegan)

This bowl features one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories we can eat: turmeric. I previously wrote about the vast health benefits of turmeric in this golden milk post. I make an effort to cook with turmeric (and black pepper to increase its bio-availability) as much as possible (think roasted vegetables, potatoes, dressings, etc). Other foods in this recipe that fight inflammation include leafy greens (like spinach), avocado and nuts.

Anti-inflammatory Macro Bowl and Creamy Garlic Dressing (Vegan)

Now, would this be a vegan recipe without the addition of nutritional yeast? I’m guilty of putting it on everything! The health benefits of nutritional yeast may include supporting healthy gut bacteria, improving production of blood cells, and maintaining optimal cholesterol levels. It is a small source of chromium and is often fortified with B12. 

Anti-inflammatory Macro Bowl and Creamy Garlic Dressing (Vegan)

Ingredients:

Bowl:
  • 1/2 cup brown rice, cooked
  • 1/2 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 1 tsp Finlandia turmeric powder
  • pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin coconut or olive oil
  • 1-2 handfuls of spinach
  • 1/2 cup edamame beans
  • 1/2 zucchini, spiralized or sliced
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 1 tsp black sesame seeds
  • garnish: lemon or lime
Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup filtered water
  • 1/3 cup raw unsalted cashews, pre-soaked at least 4 hours
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp Finlandia ancient sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp Finlandia nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Anti-inflammatory Macro Bowl and Creamy Garlic Dressing (Vegan)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Cook brown rice on the stove, as directed.
  3. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets, coconut oil, turmeric powder and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread florets on to parchment-lined pan. For crispy cauliflower, avoid florets from overlapping. Cook in oven for 20 minutes (flip florets after 10 minutes).
  4. While cauliflower and rice are cooking, prepare your serving bowl of fresh spinach, cooked edamame beans, and raw zucchini. Set aside.
  5. Add all dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until creamy. Taste and adapt accordingly. Note: for easier blending, I place cashews in a bowl of water and let soak in the fridge overnight. Discard of this water before adding the cashews to the blender.
  6. Once brown rice and cauliflower are cooked, add both to your serving bowl.  
  7. Top with sliced avocado, black sesame seeds and dressing. Enjoy!

Anti-inflammatory Macro Bowl and Creamy Garlic Dressing (Vegan)

 

 

Pin for later:

PLANT-POWERED BUDDHA BOWL WITH CREAMY DAIRY-FREE GARLIC DRESSING (VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE)

Thanks to Finlandia Pharmacy & Natural Health for sponsoring this post. Check out their website and extensive herbal dispensary at their storefront in Vancouver, BC. I do not receive affiliate commission from Finlandia Pharmacy & Natural Health.

Golden Turmeric Milk (Anti-Inflammatory)

A healing, dairy-free drink to warm up and stay well this winter.

With flu season upon us, it seemed like a great time to share this ancient Ayurvedic beverage known as golden turmeric milk. Turmeric is a powerful therapeutic spice with plenty of science-based evidence to back up this claim. It has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Golden milk, or Haldi Doodh, originated in India long before becoming a popular beverage in the western world. Here is a recipe with further dialogue on the origins of golden milk from Manali, a vegetarian/vegan cook and photographer.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient that has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Evidence suggests curcumin from turmeric can:

Unfortunately, turmeric has low bioavailability. Therefore, if we want to benefit from its health properties it must be combined with specific compounds, such as black pepper or fat. Heating turmeric slightly can also increase its bioavailability, but too much heat can degrade it, so keep this in mind when making this healing golden turmeric milk.

Golden Turmeric Mylk
INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk
  • 1-2 tsp of turmeric
  • ½ tsp of cinnamon
  • ½ tsp of cardamom
  • ½ tsp of ginger (ground or fresh)
  • pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for additional turmeric absorption)
Golden Turmeric Mylk
HOW TO:
  1. Add the almond milk to a small pot on the stove and heat on low temperature.
  2. Add the turmeric, coconut oil, cinnamon, cardamon, and pepper.
  3. Stir frequently for a couple minutes until the milk is warm, but not boiling!
  4. Strain the milk and froth (I used a matcha whisk since I don’t have a milk frother).

Golden Turmeric Mylk

PCOS POWERS:
  • turmeric = anti-inflammatory, helps lower blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity, anti-depressant, black pepper increases bioavailability
  • cinnamon = may help balance glucose levels, lower cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides in blood
  • ginger = anti-inflammatory, may help decrease fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol and triglycerides

Golden Turmeric Mylk

Drink it straight up or pour over oats to boost your morning oatmeal. Note: turmeric will stain almost everything yellow! So, choose your mug and tea towel wisely.

Have you tried golden turmeric milk before?

More Turmeric Recipes:

Garlic Turmeric Hummus

Hemp Heart Turmeric Salad Dressing

Cinnamon Turmeric Spice Pumpkin Seeds

PIN FOR LATER:

Golden Turmeric Mylk for Inflammation

Disclaimer: As the sole author of Phruitful Dish, I have based my posts on my own experiences and knowledge obtained through lived experience and during my doctoral degree (PhD). However, I am not a medical doctor. The information in this blog is not intended as medical advice. Nutritional and supplemental choices should be made in consultation with your health care provider. This blog is intended to inspire and encourage readers to educate themselves on how nutrition and lifestyle are important and often overlooked aspects of health. Therefore, please use the information at your own risk. Occasional links may be provided leading to third-party websites. The existence of these links does not infer a responsibility or an endorsement of the linked site, its operator, or its contents.

Nourishing Vegetable Buddha Bowl

A nourishing, seasonal veggie bowl with a creamy dairy-free, oil-free dressing.

Nourish your body, mind, and visual senses with this harvest vegetable bowl. It’s a hearty, nutritious, and delicious meal inspired by seasonal fall vegetables. I paired it with a creamy, dairy-free, anti-inflammatory dressing made from hemp seeds, ginger and turmeric. This oil-free dressing is so delicious I have been drizzling it on everything from salads to grains, and even using it as a dip for veggies. The recipe for this dressing can be found in my vegan recipe eBook.

Autumn Buddha Vegetable Bowl Turmeric Ginger Hemp Dressing

Curious about hemp seeds? My family has been consuming hemp seeds for years. The nutritional benefits of hemp seeds are incredible. Not only are they high in protein, but they contain all the essential amino acids which makes hemp seeds a complete protein source. They are also great sources of fiber, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc and vitamin E. Hemp seeds are easily digestible and contain a well-balanced ratio of omegas 3, 6, and 9 which is important for our immune systems and maintaining heart health. Lastly, they contain arginine and gamma-linolenic acid which have both been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Their nutty, mild flavor is unique and worked well with ginger and turmeric in this dressing (talk about an anti-inflammatory trio!).

Vegetable Bowl Ginger Turmeric Hemp Heart Dressing

Giant vegetable bowls are incredibly quick and easy to throw together, especially if you prepare some of your ingredients beforehand. Design your own with any variety of fall vegetables. As usual, don’t forget to check out the ‘PCOS Powers’ which I list at the end of the recipe (there are many in this vegetable bowl!).

Autumn Buddha Vegetable Bowl Turmeric Ginger Hemp Dressing

Autumn Vegetable Bowl:

    • 1 cup Brussel sprouts
    • 1 large carrot
    • 1 small beet
    • 1 cup sweet potato or yam
    • 1 cup cooked lentils
    • 2 handfuls organic spinach

Autumn Buddha Vegetable Bowl Turmeric Ginger Hemp Dressing

What You’ll Need:

How to:

  1. Cook the lentils, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. I boiled the lentils and steamed the Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. You could also roast the veggies. Steaming retains more nutrients than boiling.
  2. Spiralize the beet and carrot. I ate these raw but they can be steamed for easier digestion. Set veggies aside.
  3. Blend all ingredients for the dressing in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small jar to store in the fridge after using.
  4. Place pile of cleaned spinach in the bottom of a bowl.
  5. Add vegetables on top of the spinach and drizzle with dressing.
  6. Enjoy your nourishing vegetable bowl!

Autumn Vegetable Buddha Bowl Turmeric Ginger Hemp Dressing

PCOS Powers:

  • hemp seeds = high in protein, fibre, and essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 & 9) which may improve cholesterol profiles, may reduce inflammation
  • turmeric = anti-inflammatory, helps lower blood glucose levels, anti-depressant, black pepper increases bioavailability
  • ginger = anti-inflammatory, may help decrease fasting blood glucose and HbA1c
  • beets = good source of folate, anti-inflammatory, helps lower blood pressure, may help lower cholesterol, shown to reduce cancerous tumors in various animal models, beet leaves are high in iron (eat in moderation due to high oxalate content which can worsen gout and kidney stones)
  • spinach = anti-inflammatory, low glycemic index, anti-cancer effects, excellent source of iron, magnesium, & calcium, avoid large amounts if prone to kidney stones or taking blood thinners
  • sweet potato = anti-inflammatory, medium glycemic index food but high in fiber & studies have shown they may assist blood sugar regulation, high in beta-carotene which may improve fertility, may increase adiponectin levels in those with type 2 diabetes, shown to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer
  • Brussels sprouts = anti-inflammatory, good source of fiber, manganese, potassium, choline, and B vitamins, contain glucosinolates which help prevent cancers

Note: Manitoba Harvest generously sent me a bag of their hemp seeds to try in a recipe.

Autumn Vegetable Bowl with Ginger Turmeric Hemp Heart Dressing