Eve’s Buddha Bowl 🏯🍋🥬🥑

My eldest daughter has recently become a very healthy eater. She has also started taking an interest in learning how to cook. It’s been really fun this summer starting to teach her some basics. She really loves the independence that comes with making a meal, as well as the satisfaction of making something from scratch. One of her favorite dinners is this yummy bowl consisting of kale, quinoa, tofu, avocado, topped with some toasted slivered almonds. Bowls are great because they’re a meal but feel like a salad. For some reason a bowl is just a little more fun than a plate. These are Eve’s fave bowl ingredients, but def experiment with what you love. Ideally there should be a protein, a vegetable, and a starch if desired. I don’t like tofu so I’d make mine with a fried egg. A great family dinner idea is a Buddha Bowl Bar. This is also a really fun way to entertain. Just get cute bowls so guests can make their own.

Eve likes:

1/2 a cup to a cup of quinoa cooked according to package directions

Half an avocado cut into chunks

Two cups of chopped kale sautéed in olive oil and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper

A handful of toasted slivered almonds (toast on medium in a dry skillet until fragrant and golden brown)

Cubed and seasoned tofu

Now for the tofu, I use the kind that’s a firm block. I gently cut lengthwise then crosswise to make 1 inch cubes. I put them in a bowl and drizzle with olive or avocado oil, and I season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning. Really just choose seasonings you like that you might use for chicken or fish. I carefully mix the tofu to distribute the spices. Then I heat a large skillet with three tbsp of the same oil I used for the marinade, and sear the cubes in a single layer. I add tablespoons of vegetable stock as the pan dries up to prevent the tofu from sticking. Shake pan occasionally to loosen the pieces. Gently flip each piece to get an even crust on each piece. One block of tofu makes a lot so you’ll have leftovers. After Eve assembles her bowl she likes to squeeze half a lemon over it, like mama. I became obsessed with during pregnancy since the citrus helps with nausea. Ok, maybe not the best idea to mention nausea in a food post.