Black Pearl Lentil and Roasted Veggie Bowl

This lentil, quinoa, and roasted veggie bowl is super hearty and is a delicious lunch or dinner. You can save yourself some time and purchase precooked lentils and quinoa if you want. I roasted beets for mine today, but store bought raw beets are great too. Tastes great warm or cold. Serves 4 people with lentils and quinoa leftover.

What you'll need:

1 cup black lentils

1 cup red quinoa

2 yams, peeled and diced

pre bought shredded raw beets

2 bunch broccolini, washed and cut off ends

feta cheese 

golden raisins 


Dressing:

1 large bunch Italian parsley leaves, wash and take off stems

basil leaves (about 1 cup tightly packed), wash and take off stems

2-3 cloves garlic (to taste)

1 1/2 tsp cuminĀ 

1/2 tsp coriander

1 tsp paprika 

1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)

1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1/2 a large lemon)

sea salt to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

To cook quinoa: add 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water to a pot. Once it comes to a boil, cover and turn on low. Simmer for 12 minutes.

To look lentils: add 1 cup lentils and 3 cups water to a pot. Once boiling, turn on low, partially cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are soft. I like to add 1/2 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp coriander to my lentils as they simmer, your preference.

Roasting veggies: In a bowl add diced yam and broccolini. Add 1 TBS oil and season with salt and pepper, mix. Add yam and broccolini to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes (If you want to roast your own beets, wash beets and cut off ends. Bake at 425 for 45-55 minutes until tender with a fork. Rub with a paper towel to remove skin).

To make dressing: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend well. Taste and add more salt if needed. This dressing is supposed to have a thicker consistency. If you want it a bit thinner or find that it is a tad too acidic for your liking, add 1/8 cup more oil.

To assemble bowls per person:

Add 1/3 cup quinoa and 1/3 cup lentils in a bowl. Add about 1-2 TBS dressing and stir to combine. Add yam, broccolini and beets to the top or to the side and then add golden raisins and feta. Serve and enjoy!