By Natalie Bickford, MS
Power Bowls Save the Day
RFCFES = Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.
If there's one recipe in Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow to live by, it's the Power Bowls (p. 122). They're an easy way to get in lots of whole grains, veggies, protein and healthy fats. You can count on them to always save the day for quick weeknight dinners!
Power Bowls follow a simple formula that have lots of room for creativity. All you need is a base, protein, veggies, a sauce and any other toppings you'd like. It's perfect for using up or repurposing leftovers into a delicious meal! Keep a stash of sauces in your freezer for emergency power bowls, you won't regret it!
This Garlicky Yogurt Sauce is SO simple and yet so incredibly delicious on everything from meats to grains to roasted and raw veggies. It pairs especially well with the Sweet Potato Chickpea Patties (RFCFES, p. 141).
Our Favorite Sauces and Power Bowl Combos
Here's a list of our favorite sauces to have on hand:
Green Goddess Tahini Sauce (RFCFES, p. 178)
Creamy Ginger Cashew Sauce (RFCFES, p. 180)
Turmeric Coconut Curry Sauce (RFCFES, p. 181)
Garlicky Guac (RFCFES, p. 177)
Favorite Power Bowl Combos:
Pulled Pork Burrito Bowl: short grain brown rice, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork/Chicken (p. 137), black beans, Purple Cabbage Slaw (p. 165), Garlicky Guac (p. 177) and cilantro
Sushi Rice Bowl: Coconut Nori Rice (p. 164), Miso Butter Salmon (p. 155), sliced cucumber, sliced radish, Creamy Ginger Cashew Sauce (p. 180), cashews or Maple Turmeric Nuts (p.200).
Green Envy Rice Bowl: short-grain brown rice, sautéed greens or Miso Fast Greens (p. 167), edamame, sliced avocado, Green Goddess Tahini Sauce (p. 178) and sesame seeds
For more inspiration, check out our Power Bowls (p. 122)!
And discover more of our favorite Weeknight Dinners, nourishing family meals in 30 minutes!
WARNING: this sauce may cause garlic breath, but it promises to boost your immune system -- worth it!
New Recipe: Garlicky Yogurt Sauce
Makes about 1 1/4 cups
Ingredients:
1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp water, plus more as needed
For the bowl:
Base: Arugula
Protein: Sweet Potato Chickpea Cakes (RFCFES, p. 141)
Veggies: Sliced Radish and Roasted Purple Potatoes
Topping (essential crunch): Toasted almonds
Sauce: Garlicky Yogurt Sauce
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, add the yogurt, garlic, lemon, salt and pepper and whisk to combine. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency. The amount of water you add will depend on the thickness of your yogurt.
Assemble your bowl and generously drizzle with the addictive yogurt sauce. Make sure you keep the sauce nearby -- trust me you'll want more!
Recipe and photos by Natalie Bickford
Natalie is a nutritionist and personal chef in Portland, OR who specializes in women's health and sports nutrition. She loves creating simple, nourishing meals and recipes to fuel your life. Find Natalie at nataliecooks.com.