Lentil Power Bowl (Printable)

Tender lentils and hearty grains topped with roasted vegetables and tahini dressing for a balanced, satisfying meal.

# What You Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, uncooked
02 - 2 cups water or vegetable broth

→ Lentils

03 - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
04 - 2.5 cups water
05 - 1 bay leaf
06 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Roasted Vegetables

07 - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 zucchini, sliced
10 - 1 red onion, sliced
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Tahini Dressing

15 - 0.25 cup tahini
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
17 - 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
18 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
19 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
20 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Toppings

21 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
22 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set oven to 425°F (220°C) for roasting vegetables.
02 - Toss sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.
03 - Combine lentils, water, bay leaf, and salt in saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain excess water and discard bay leaf.
04 - Bring 2 cups water or broth to boil in separate pot. Add quinoa or rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook according to package instructions, approximately 15-20 minutes. Fluff with fork.
05 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, maple syrup, garlic, and salt until smooth. Add additional water to achieve desired consistency.
06 - Divide cooked grains among bowls. Top with lentils and roasted vegetables. Drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and parsley. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour and actually tastes like you spent way more time on it than you did.
  • One bowl quietly delivers complete protein, fiber, and enough vegetables to feel genuinely nourishing without any heaviness.
  • You can prep components ahead and assemble in minutes, making it perfect for chaotic weeknights or meal prep Sundays.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing your lentils—debris hides in there and you'll catch it between your teeth if you're not careful.
  • Tahini separates with time, so always stir it well before using, and if your dressing breaks or gets too thick, just whisk in water a tablespoon at a time until it's creamy again.
03 -
  • Spread vegetables in a single layer without crowding; overcrowded pans steam rather than roast, and you lose those precious caramelized edges that make the whole dish sing.
  • Taste the dressing before adding it to your bowl—tahini flavor can vary by brand, so you might want more lemon juice or a touch more garlic depending on what you're using.
Go Back