Last updated on April 3rd, 2023
We love Create Your Own Bowl nights because grown-ups and children can customize their meal. Grain bowls, or Buddha bowls, start with a whole grain, and then add a combination of veggies (cooked or raw), protein, and sometimes even fruit. Top it off with a prepared sauce or a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
This uncomplicated dish was developed to pull together quickly on a busy weeknight. It’s almost effortless to prepare, and there’s no intense clean-up after dinner.
To make meal-prep easier, grate the carrots ahead of time, use a food processor, or even purchase pre-shredded carrots. The recipe calls for chopped pistachios, but on a time-strapped night skip that step and serve the nuts whole.
Assembly begins with reheated left-over rice; we used red and brown rice, but you can serve whatever you have on hand. I like to cook large batches of rice and freeze most of it in individual containers to thaw another time for easy meals. If you don’t have cooked rice ready to go, prepare 1 cup of rice according to package instructions.
Next fold in baby spinach, shredded carrots, and pistachios—all foods my youngest enjoys this week. Finally, add a touch of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to keep the dish uncomplicated. Serve with your favorite protein on top or on the side to round out the meal.
If your kids aren’t ready for all their food to mingle in one bowl, it’s not a problem. Serve the components in little piles on a plate. And if someone’s not wild about one of the ingredients, skip it and load up with their favorites.
With this level of personalization, everyone will be happy with their meal!
Ingredients
- 3 cups prepared rice, reheated if necessary
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 carrots, shredded
- ¼ cup roasted pistachios, shelled and chopped
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Assemble each bowl individually. Add ¾ cup of rice to each bowl. Fold in ½ cup baby spinach, shredded carrots, and about a tablespoon of chopped pistachios. Top with ½ teaspoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with a protein of your choice.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
Note:
In the spirit of CYOB, all amounts are approximate. Add any or all of the mix-ins to match your appetite.
Rice with Spinach, Carrots, and Pistachios—Create Your Own Bowls
Ingredients
- 3 cups prepared rice, reheated if necessary
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 carrots, shredded
- ¼ cup roasted pistachios, shelled and chopped
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Assemble each bowl individually. Add ¾ cup of rice to each bowl. Fold in ½ cup baby spinach, shredded carrots, and about a tablespoon of chopped pistachios. Top with ½ teaspoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with a protein of your choice.
This looks delicious and easy, and what a great idea to offer the add-ins separately, especially with kiddos who might not like all the ingredients. It’s a lot better than having to pick them out! Thanks for another great idea.
Thank you!