Build-a-Bowl Meals
I love giving my kids autonomy when it comes to mealtime, letting them decide what and how much to eat from what I’ve provided. Bowl meals have become a favorite meal model with my family because they’re pretty simple to throw together for me, and they let my kids have some ownership of their meal and what winds up on their plate. A win-win for everyone! When it comes to bowl meals, there are always fewer complaints at the dinner table. I’m offering a variety of ingredients and components that provide satisfying fat, fiber and protein while also offering a variety in flavors and textures of foods. The kids get to create a totally unique meal with what’s provided that suits their taste preferences and appetite, and everyone is happy.
There are no rules when it comes to building bowl meals, but a few simple guidelines will help when you’re planning a bowl meal:
1: Pick a protein - whether animal or plant based, such as shredded chicken, edamame, roasted chickpeas, or seasoned ground beef
2: Grains or complex carbs - while not always needed, these can add some nice heft to your bowl. Think rice, quinoa, barley, or diced sweet potatoes.
3: Veggies - raw or roasted. I love roasted, caramelized veggies in the cooler months, and use more raw veggies in the spring and summer for a fresher flavor and crunch.
4: Extras - these are things like crumbled feta, slivered almonds, or a dash of sesame seeds to elevate the flavor of your bowl
5: Sauce - the finishing touch! Sometimes this can be as simple as a drizzle of olive oil, or you can use salsa, teriyaki sauce, balsamic glaze, or whatever sauce or marinade fits the theme of your bowl.
Bowls are a great way to use up leftovers - cook extra rice one night and use it as a bowl base the next. Double the batch of crockpot shredded chicken and use it in a burrito bowl.
Below are some of the favorite bowls my family has been enjoying lately:
Burger bowl: Ground beef seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika powder; sauteed diced red onions and mushrooms; diced pickles; shredded cheese; diced roasted potatoes; a sauce made combining ketchup and mayo.
Burrito bowl: Shredded salsa chicken; sauteed peppers and onions; black beans; canned corn with Tejan seasoning; shredded cheddar cheese; diced avocado
Sushi bowl: Teriyaki salmon; cooked rice with fresh garlic, ginger and soy saucee; edamame; diced cucumber; shredded carrot; diced avocado
