Winter Grain Bowl With Lemon Tahini Dressing and Nigella

This hearty vegan grain bowl is as delicious as it is healthy. Roasted root vegetables, earthy mushrooms on a bed whole grain are drizzled with an irresistible lemon tahini dressing and crispy nigella seeds, also known as holy seeds. It's a meal that is so delicious it's restaurant worthy, but filling enough to satisfy a lumberjack. 

Making Delicious Grain Bowls

Grain bowls are a mouthwatering way to use whatever is in your fridge. It's an easy weeknight meal that clears the crisper drawer but is better than those grain bowls at Sweetgreens! The secret is really in the combination of textures and flavors. Using ancient grains like Emmer Farro or Einkorn Wheat Berries, Quinoa or heart healthy Whole Grain Oat Groats provide a variety of textures and flavors to experiment with. I love serving this warm for dinner and saving the leftovers for a cold lunch the next day. It's just as delicious for several days. This recipe is really just a leaping off point for you though. Grain bowls are versitile, they work with whatever you have on hand. Just cook the grain of your choice, roast up whatever you've got in that crisper drawer, toss in some cooked beans, nuts and seeds and top it with the dressing of your choice. 

Why You Should Add Nigella Seeds To Your Diet

Nigella Seeds are a small black seed, also known as 'black cumin' or 'black caraway'. They have an earthy flavor and aroma that is reminiscent of oregano, onion, and thyme. Nigella seeds originate from the Mediterranean region but today can be found all over the world.

Recent research has shown that consuming nigella seeds can help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health. This is likely due to their rich content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as their ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have also found that taking a daily supplement of nigella seed extract was associated with reduced triglyceride levels and improved cardiovascular health. In addition, it has been suggested that consuming nigella seeds can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as it improves glucose metabolism. Ultimately, these findings indicate that incorporating nigella seeds into one’s diet offers numerous benefits for overall health and wellbeing. 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of whole ancient grains like Einkorn Wheat Berries, or Oat Groats
• 1 cup cooked white beans like White Tepary Beans
• 2-3 pounds of assorted winter vegetables: Carrots, Beets, Parsnips, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion cut into 1 inch dice
• Burlap and Barrel Toasted Onion Powder
• Burlap and Barrel Purple Striped Garlic Powder
• Olive Oil
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon Tahini Dressing (recipe below)
• Nigella Seeds

Lemon Tahini Dressing

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

Cook the wheat berries according to package directions.

Meanwhile combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder and salt in a large bowl. Toss the winter vegetables, mushrooms and onion in the olive oil mixture and spread out on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake for 20-30 minutes at 385 degrees.

In large bowls add the cooked wheat berries, roasted vegetables, drizzle with lemon tahini and sprinkle with nigella seeds.