Build Your Own Grain Bowl

Build your own grain bowl and make an easy, low cost, tasty meal that will help your busy family eat smart. Follow the steps below and use ingredients from your #BetterPantry and you will have a delicious meal that your family will love in no time!

Step 1 – Pick a Base

Choose a whole grain to start your grain bowl. There are lots of tasty whole grains to choose from like brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, or pasta. Whole grains are a great source of heart healthy fiber that will keep your hunger satisfied.

Step 2 – Add Vegetables

Pick your produce and aim for at least one cup of veggies and ⅓ cup of beans for your bowl. Mix and match some of your family’s favorite vegetables so everyone can get in those key nutrients. Mixing raw and cooked vegetables will create an interesting texture profile. You can use frozen veggies as a quick alternative if you are unable to make it to the store to buy fresh produce. Canned black or pinto beans, red kidney beans, or garbanzo beans that you already have stocked in your pantry make a great addition to any bowl.

Step 3 – Add Protein

Add a few ounces of protein. Add lots of flavor by picking a nicely seasoned protein. Pick a lean meat, such as chicken or turkey, seafood high in healthy fats, like salmon, or a fried egg.

Step 4 – Add Sauce

Add a sauce on top to tie your bowl together and add one last flavor punch. Choose from a wide variety of sauces you can find in the supermarket, or might already have in your pantry or fridge. Just a few examples are salsa, teriyaki sauce, balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, lemon juice, or BBQ sauce.

Here is an example grain bowl to give you an idea:

      1 cup of quinoa

      ½ cup of steamed asparagus

      ½ cup of steamed broccoli

      1/3 cup of white kidney beans

      a few ounces of leftover rotisserie chicken

      a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette

Get started mixing and matching today to find your favorite grain bowl.

Share your creations in the comments!

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