Harvest Bowl with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes

If you’re a plant-based enthusiast on the hunt for a meal that nourishes both the body and the soul, look no further than the comforting arms of a Harvest Bowl. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll explore how to create a delicious, nutrient-packed Harvest Bowl featuring roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes that cater to the plant-based palate. We’ll also shine a light on the plethora of beauty-boosting nutrients found in each ingredient, perfect for curating a diet that supports vibrant, curly hair. 

 

 

Nourishment for the plant-based connoisseur

Why choose this dish?

Plant-based recipes like the Harvest Bowl offer a plethora of benefits. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, this bowl not only satisfies your hunger but also supports a healthy lifestyle. The blend of Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes brings a satisfying mix of savory and sweet notes to your plate. The complex carbohydrates of sweet potatoes coupled with the cruciferous richness of Brussels sprouts promises a meal that’s as filling as it is fulfilling.

The health benefits of each ingredient

Here’s why your body will thank you for incorporating these superfoods into your diet:

Brussels Sprouts:

High in fiber and vitamin C, Brussels sprouts are champions for gut health and immune support. They also pack a punch with antioxidants such as kaempferol, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid.

Sweet Potatoes:

Not to be outdone, sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene, an antioxidant your body converts into vitamin A—a crucial nutrient for healthy skin and eyesight. They also contain fiber and are considered a complex carbohydrate, providing longer-lasting energy.

Quinoa:

The protein-rich, gluten-free grain quinoa rounds out the dish with amino acids and further fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you full.

Almonds:

A sprinkling of almonds serves up healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E—a key player in skin health and an antioxidant believed to protect your cells against damage.

The Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Fresh parsley, chopped. Pomegranate seeds, and dried currents. (Optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed sweet potatoes with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on a large baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes or until they are golden and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
4. While the vegetables roast, prepare the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Add the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is fully cooked and water is absorbed.
5. In a small skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat until they are golden brown, then set aside.
6. In the same skillet, heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked quinoa, then add the balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. To assemble each bowl, spoon the quinoa mixture into the bottom. Top with a generous helping of the roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, then finish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds and fresh parsley, pomegranate seeds, and dried currents. 

Nutrients for Beauty and Curly Hair

We couldn’t wrap up without talking about the nutrients in this bowl that are particularly beneficial for your beauty regimen and curly hair. Here’s a deep dive:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Curly hair tends to be drier and can benefit greatly from the nourishing qualities of omega-3 fatty acids, which sweet potatoes provide. These healthy fats reduce hair breakage and restore luster.

Iron

Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of iron, a mineral vital for hair growth. Including iron-rich foods like Brussels sprouts in your diet can help maintain a full, healthy head of curls.

Vitamin E

Found in almonds and other plant-based oils, vitamin E nourishes the scalp, reducing dryness and encouraging a healthy environment for hair growth.

Zinc

While not directly in the recipe, quinoa is a good source of zinc, which supports the repair of hair tissues and keeps the oil glands in the scalp functioning properly to prevent dandruff.

Antioxidants

Pomegranate seeds and dried currents are also rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals that can cause inflammation and cell damage to the hair.

Conclusion

There you have it – a satisfying Harvest Bowl filled with nourishing ingredients perfect for supporting a plant-based lifestyle and promoting beauty and healthy hair. So take some time to whip up this delicious dish, sit back, relax, and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. Your body and your curls will thank you!  So, why wait? Head to the kitchen and try it out for yourself today! 

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