6 Powerhouse Bowls to Fuel Your Post-Holiday Routine

Getting back into a routine after a leisurely holiday break is a tough process for us all. Sure, reclining on the couch while snacking on gingerbread was nice for a few days, but now it’s time to set the pace for 2017 with wholesome, energizing meals that will ease the transition into more-demanding schedules. One trend that’s already taken hold here Food Network is the grain bowl – a hearty, customizable dish that consists of a grain base, a protein such as chicken, steak or fish, an array of fresh vegetables and some kind of flavorful dressing to tie it all together. Good for both lunches and dinners, the trend first caught on with the rise of fast-casual dining chains, but there are clear benefits to getting your bowl fix at home. Not only will you have greater control over the nutritional content –  you’ll also get more bang for your buck when you aren’t paying those steep restaurant markups. Here are a few grain bowl ideas that offer a successful balance of crunchiness, creaminess and bold flavor. Go ahead and get creative by tailoring each one to include your favorite vegetables and spices.

Tandoori Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowl
We love the crispy chicken and the curried yogurt dressing in this Indian-inspired rice bowl. But the real star here is the cauliflower, which helps bulk up the dish, stretching 2 chicken breasts to feed 4 people. It’s perfect for anyone trying to cut down on food costs in 2017.

Wheat Berry Bowl with Salmon and Miso Sauce
If you like to dress your grain bowls like a salad, you will love the way the creamy miso sauce coats the chewy, toothsome wheat berries in this Asian-inspired bowl. To save time, cook off a large batch of wheat berries, freeze it in re-sealable bags for up to 1 month and thaw and reheat as needed.

Salmon-Avocado Poke Bowls
Build-your-own-poke-bowl spots are popping up all over the country, letting you pair your choice of fish with rice and as many toppings as a burrito bar. If you’re just as smitten with the hot-meets-cold, cooked-meets-raw dichotomy of this native Hawaiian dish, then try Food Network Kitchen’s version, which calls for Omega 3-packed salmon as the star. The recipe is low in calories, high in protein and super-easy to make.

Quinoa Bowl with Chicken and Avocado Cream
In this Mexican-inspired bowl, the crunchy tortilla chips and roasted pepitas are nicely complemented by avocado cream and hearty quinoa. Make a big batch of quinoa and keep it frozen in re-sealable bags for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat as needed. Having a whole-grain arsenal in your freezer will help cut down on prep time.

Grilled Steak and Rice Bowl
We love the way the fluffy cooked rice absorbs the meat’s juices in this hearty bowl from Food Network Magazine — not to mention that affordable price tag. Wallet-friendly flank steak gives the dish some necessary chewiness. Add in shredded carrots, diced scallions and cucumber for a fresh crunch in every bite.

Millet Bowl with Stuffed Grape Leaves and Yogurt-Hummus Sauce
If you follow a gluten-free diet, millet should always be at the top of your shopping list. You can pop it like popcorn, make it into porridge or boil it until it’s fluffy, as it is in this Greek-inspired bowl recipe. To save prep time later, cook batches of millet, cool and store in freezer bags for up to 1 month. If you like, sub leftover chicken for the sausage, or keep the bowl vegetarian.

What’s your go-to combination of protein, grain and vegetables when preparing a hearty lunch or dinner bowl at home? Let us know in the comments section below!

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