Pin 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.
On cold evenings, I love crafting these spiced winter bowls because they give me a chance to experiment with vibrant toppings and root vegetables from the local market. It quickly became a favorite comfort meal for friends and family after just one try.
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
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash, sweet potato, and red onion with olive oil and spices in a bowl. Spread onto parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning once, until tender and golden.
- Prepare the Grain Base:
- Combine quinoa and water with salt. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until absorbed. Fluff and keep warm.
- Make the Ube&Coconut Purée:
- Blend mashed ube, coconut milk, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. Adjust to preferred consistency and sweetness.
- Create the Pistachio&Maple Crumble:
- Heat pistachios, maple syrup, cardamom, and salt in a skillet, stirring for 2-3 minutes until sticky and glossy. Cool on parchment.
- Assemble Your Bowl:
- Divide quinoa among four bowls. Layer with roasted vegetables, a dollop of ube&coconut purée, sprinkle with pistachio&maple crumble, fresh greens, pomegranate seeds, and feta if using. Garnish as desired.
- Serve:
- Enjoy warm and savor the seasonal flavors.
Pin 
My niece always requests extra pistachio topping when we make this together, making it a fun part of our winter family dinners.
Make It Your Own
Switch out the featured veggies for what&s in season at your local market. Add chickpeas or lentils for a boost of plant-based protein.
Serving Ideas
Pair with spiced chai tea or a dry Riesling for a nourishing winter meal. A touch of lime zest or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add extra zing.
Allergen Info & Nutrition
This dish contains pistachios and feta cheese, but is easy to adapt for dairy-free diets. Each serving offers roughly 410 calories, 16g fat, 59g carbs, and 9g protein.
Pin Enjoy this flavorful bowl as a cozy main dish or hearty lunch. Toppings and grains can be easily adapted to suit your taste and pantry.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What vegetables work best for roasting in these bowls?
Butternut squash, sweet potato, and red onion each provide color, sweetness, and heartiness. Feel free to add parsnips or carrots for extra variety.
- → Can I use rice instead of quinoa?
Yes, brown rice or wild rice works well and adds a different texture. Make sure to adjust cooking time and water ratio accordingly.
- → What can I substitute for ube in the purée?
Purple sweet potato is an excellent alternative if ube is unavailable. The flavor remains rich and the color is vibrant.
- → Is there a vegan option for these bowls?
Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with plant-based alternatives. This keeps the bowl vegan-friendly and dairy-free.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep all components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat grains and vegetables before assembling.
- → What can I add for extra protein?
Consider roasted chickpeas, lentils, or tofu for a protein boost while maintaining a balanced bowl.