Eat Mindfully During Holidays

With the approach of the holidays, I find myself reaching for a warm and comforting meal that’s healthy, yet satisfying. Being a student on a tight budget has its setbacks, but when it comes to a clean vegan diet, I find it the most efficient way to eat. With comforting spices like cumin, turmeric, and nutmeg, this spiced vegan burrito bowl gives Chipotle a run for its money. This hearty Mexican meal is great as a bowl, or you can enjoy the ingredients wrapped up in a tortilla.

This recipe was inspired by vegan blogger Olga, whose website and YouTube channel is Fablunch. I added and substituted some ingredients, as should you to make it just the way you like it!

Ingredients:

Lemon Quinoa

• 1 cups tri-colored quinoa

• 2 bay leaves

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Black Beans

• 1 can black

• 1 garlic clove

• ½ tsp dry oregano

• ¼ tsp cumin

• Pinch of chipotle pepper

Vegetables

• 1 green bell pepper

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 medium red onion

• 1 cup fresh cherry tomatoes

• 1 sweet potato

• 1 tsp dry oregano

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

• ¼ tsp turmeric

• ¼ tsp cumin

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

Guacamole

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 cup cilantro

• ½ cup red onion

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions:

Lemon Quinoa

1. Cook quinoa according to the directions on the package (15 minutes). Before water starts to boil, add salt and bay leaves.

2. Once the quinoa is cooked, place in a bowl and add lemon juice and cilantro. Mix.

Black Beans

1. Combine all ingredients in a small pot and heat over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes

Vegetables

1. Cut peppers and onion into strings, add to skillet, cook for 5 minutes, add seasoning and cook until blackened and soft.

2. Halve cherry tomatoes

3. Cube sweet potato, add tbsp of oil, cumin, and nutmeg. Bake for 20 minutes.

Guacamole

1. Mash avocado, add vegetables, and mix well.

How to Assemble:

1. In two bowls, add rice, veggies, and beans. Garnish with cilantro and a wedge of lemon for a fresh touch. Enjoy!

Knezovic is a freelance writer and yogi who is so obsessed with eating that she took on a degree in Food Studies at The New School for Public Engagement. Follow her pizza obsession, everyday life endeavors, and travels on Instagram @evapiggie.

-Illustration by Sharon Watts

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