Save A cozy, nutrient-rich bowl featuring roasted winter vegetables, warming spices, and creative toppings like pistachio&maple and ube&coconut. Perfect for chilly days and customizable for the season.
I first made this recipe on a snowy weekend when I wanted something filling yet bright. The colorful veggies and unique toppings really made everyone smile at the table.
Ingredients
- Roasted Vegetables: 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed, 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cubed, 1 red onion, cut into wedges, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Grain Base: 1 cup quinoa (or brown rice), rinsed, 2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Ube&Coconut Purée: 1 cup cooked ube (purple yam), mashed, 1/3 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, Pinch of salt
- Pistachio&Maple Crumble: 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, Pinch of salt
- Fresh Toppings: 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped, 1 small pomegranate, seeds only, 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional), Microgreens, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the squash, sweet potato, and red onion with olive oil, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 30&35 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
- Cook Quinoa:
- While vegetables roast, combine quinoa and water in a saucepan with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15&18 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare Ube&Coconut Purée:
- Blend mashed ube, coconut milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust sweetness or coconut milk as desired.
- Make Pistachio&Maple Crumble:
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pistachios, maple syrup, cardamom, and salt. Stir constantly for 2&3 minutes until pistachios are sticky and glossy. Spread on parchment to cool.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Divide quinoa into four bowls. Top with roasted vegetables, a generous dollop of ube&coconut purée, a sprinkle of pistachio&maple crumble, chopped greens, pomegranate seeds, and feta if using. Garnish with microgreens.
- Serve:
- Serve warm.
Save I love how this dish brings everyone together—my family always jumps in to choose their favorite toppings and create a rainbow effect in their bowls.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, medium saucepan, mixing bowls, nonstick skillet, blender or food processor (for purée)
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 410 calories, 16 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.
Wine Pairings
Try serving with a dry Riesling or a spiced chai tea for a warming balance.
Save Enjoy these spiced winter bowls fresh and hot for the best flavor&they're excellent as leftovers too!
Common Questions
- → What vegetables work best for these winter bowls?
Butternut squash, sweet potato, and red onion offer great texture and flavor, but you can swap in carrots, parsnips, or pumpkin.
- → Can you substitute the grain base?
Yes, quinoa is used for its protein, but brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice work well for a different texture.
- → Is there an alternative to ube for the purée?
Purple sweet potato makes a great substitute if ube isn’t available, maintaining the vibrant color and mild sweetness.
- → How can you make this vegan?
Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for a fully vegan bowl.
- → Are the bowls gluten-free?
Yes, all listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Double-check packaged items for possible cross-contamination.
- → Can I add more protein?
Absolutely! Try adding roasted chickpeas, lentils, or tofu to boost protein content in each bowl.
- → What wine pairs well with this bowl?
A dry Riesling complements the warming spices and sweet notes, while spiced chai tea offers a cozy non-alcoholic pairing.