Lentil Power Bowl Tahini (Printable)

Hearty grains and tender lentils topped with roasted vegetables in creamy tahini for a satisfying plant-based meal.

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It actually keeps you full and energized, not just satisfied for an hour.
  • Most of the work happens passively while the oven does its thing, so you're not stuck at the stove.
  • The combination of textures and flavors feels indulgent even though it's completely plant-based.
02 -
  • Stir your roasting vegetables halfway through—the difference between caramelized and dried out is about five minutes of attention.
  • Don't skip the lemon juice in the tahini dressing; it's what prevents the bowl from tasting heavy and makes everything brighter.
03 -
  • Use a shallow baking sheet for your vegetables so they roast evenly instead of steaming; air circulation is everything.
  • If your tahini is very thick, warm it slightly before whisking—it becomes infinitely easier to work with and creates a silkier dressing.
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