Description
Craft a vibrant Nutrient-Dense Power Bowl with black lentils, roasted beets, and kale, drizzled with a creamy tahini-yogurt dressing. Perfect for clean eating.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup black lentils, rinsed
- 3 medium beets (red or golden), peeled and cubed
- 4 cups fresh kale (Lacinato or curly), tough stems removed, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- Tahini-Yogurt Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–4 tablespoons cold water (as needed for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
- Seasonings & Roasting:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for lentils)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Garnish & Finishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Instructions
- Roast the Beets:: First things first, let’s get those beets roasting. Preheat your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C). Peel your beets, then chop them into bite-sized cubes – roughly 1/2 inch. Toss them in a bowl with a glug of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of roast; I’ve made that mistake too many times, ending up with soggy beets! Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. You’ll smell that sweet, earthy aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s just lovely.
- Cook the Black Lentils:: While the beets are doing their thing, let’s get those black lentils simmering. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water; I always give them a good rinse, you never know! Combine the rinsed lentils with 3 cups of water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor, I do this often!) in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender but still have a bit of a bite. You don’t want mushy lentils here, trust me. Drain any excess water. This is where I almost always forget to salt the water, so remember to add a pinch while they cook!
- Prepare the Kale:: Now for the kale! Wash and thoroughly dry your kale leaves. Remove the tough stems – I just rip the leaves right off. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the kale, then get in there with your hands and massage it for 2-3 minutes. Seriously, this step is a game-changer! It softens the kale and makes it so much more palatable. You’ll feel it transform from stiff to tender, it’s quite satisfying!
- Whip Up the Tahini-Yogurt Dressing:: Next, the star of the show: the creamy dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, a minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. It’ll probably seize up at first, looking like a thick, clumpy paste – don’t panic, that’s normal! Gradually whisk in 2-4 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and pourable. I once added all the water at once and ended up with a watery mess, so little by little is key! Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; I sometimes add a touch more lemon for extra zing.
- Assemble Your Nutrient-Dense Power Bowl:: Okay, time to build our beautiful bowls! Divide the warm, cooked black lentils among four serving bowls. Next, add generous portions of your massaged kale. Then, carefully arrange the roasted beets over the kale and lentils. I always try to make it look pretty, even if it’s just for me! Add a few slices of red onion for that fresh bite. This is the fun part, making it your own!
- Garnish and Serve:: Finally, the finishing touches! Drizzle each vibrant power bowl generously with that lovely tahini-yogurt dressing. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures. It looks so colorful and inviting, doesn’t it? Take a moment to appreciate your handiwork before digging in!