Bowl Basics: Easy, Everyday Templates

Learn how to create endlessly adaptable grain and bean bowls that are balanced, colorful, and full of flavor. We’ll walk through this simple template for mixing grains, proteins, vegetables, and sauces so you can build satisfying meals from whatever you have on hand.

 
 

Here it is in a different format!

Bowl Basics: The Build-A-Bowl Template

A simple way to build balanced, flexible grain + bean bowls using what you already have in your kitchen.

The Core Formula

Grain + Protein + Vegetables + Sauce + Finish = a complete meal

1. Base (1–2 cups)

  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Farro
  • Barley
  • Couscous

2. Protein (½–1 cup)

  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils
  • Black beans
  • White beans
  • Tofu, eggs, or chicken (optional)

3. Vegetables (2+ cups)

Think mix of textures:

  • Roasted (carrots, cauliflower, sweet potato)
  • Raw (cabbage, cucumber, radish)
  • Quick pickled (onions, carrots)

4. Sauce (2–4 tablespoons)

Creamy

  • Tahini + lemon + water
  • Yogurt + herbs + lemon

Bright + Sharp

  • Lemon + olive oil + garlic
  • Rice vinegar + ginger + sesame oil

Savory Depth

  • Miso + water + ginger
  • Soy sauce + lime + a touch of maple

5. Finish (small but important)

  • Toasted seeds or nuts
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, mint)
  • Citrus squeeze (lemon or lime)
  • Chili flakes or hot sauce

Example Bowls

  • Brown rice + chickpeas + roasted carrots + lemon tahini + parsley + pumpkin seeds
  • Quinoa + lentils + cabbage + ginger miso + sesame seeds + scallions
  • Farro + white beans + roasted tomatoes + herby yogurt + almonds + basil

The goal is not recipes you memorize. It’s a system you can build from, again and again, using what’s already in your kitchen.