Broccoli Grain Bowls

These easy-to-make Broccoli Bowls are a staple vegetarian meal topped with flavorful and refreshing garlic, lemon, and tahini sauce. The combination of roasted broccoli, farro, and tahini sauce is almost magical.

I have been loving making healthy bowls featuring roasted vegetables and grains lately. Dishes like today's broccoli grain bowl recipe and these vegetarian shawarma bowls are super simple to prepare and have so many positive health benefits.

They are filling and are perfect for meal-prep. Farro is a great alternative to rice in any bowl with its chewy texture and nutty flavor. We love using it in this Chicken Kofta Bowl recipe too. 

Why You'll Love These Broccoli Grain Bowls

• Versatile: Make these bowls with different grains, try different sauces, and add more veggies. These broccoli bowls are super versatile and easy to customize for any preferences.
• Great for meal prep: Roasted vegetables, especially broccoli, is great for meal prep. Where fresh vegetables can get soggy after a couple of days, roasted broccoli keeps well. 
• Nutritious:  This bowl ahs it all with healthy whole grains, tons of nutrients from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the sauce. Add more protein with chickpeas, tofu, or chicken.

The other thing you will love about these broccoli bowls is the sauce. It is made with just a few simple ingredients, but it is so full of flavor. If you are a tahini lover like me you will adore this dreamy sauce!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This recipe only calls for a few healthy ingredients that can easily be found at your local supermarket. These bowls are also completely customizable, feel free to mix and match your vegetables as you please to get the most out of this simple vegetarian meal.

• Broccoli: This tasty green vegetable is full of nutritious vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, iron, and potassium. It is also a rich source of fiber and protein.
• Chickpeas: These low-calorie legumes are packed in fiber, making them a super filling addition to these bowls. I love to incorporate chickpeas into my diet. They are an excellent plant-based protein.
• Tahini: Featured in many hummus recipes, this butter is made using eggplant. This spread is featured in many Middle Eastern dishes. It is a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
• Farro: With nutty and slight earthy tones, this grain has been a staple in my kitchen lately. This ancient grain is a wonderful source of fiber, protein, and iron. It also contains immune-boosting properties, including Vitamin B, magnesium, and zinc.
• Lemon Juice: This ingredient provides a bit of refreshing citrus in this bowl. Lemons are rich in potassium and Vitamin C.
• Garlic: Full of flavor and health benefits, this popular ingredient has been known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and lower blood sugar levels.

Customize Your Broccoli Bowls

Follow the steps and ideas to customize your broccoli grain bowls with different veggies, proteins, and sauce ideas. 

• Make it cheesy: Cheese provides a bit of added saltiness and flavor in this dish. Parmesan, goat cheese, or feta taste delightful sprinkled on top of this delicious broccoli bowl. Seasoned tofu feta is also a good vegan-friendly substitute.
• Add protein: These broccoli bowls taste great with some added protein. Shrimp, tofu, rotisserie chicken, and hard or soft boiled eggs are some possible options that taste wonderful in this dish. They are also delicious with black beans, like these Cuban Black bean Bowls.
• Drain your farro: Make sure to rinse and drain your farro in order to remove the powdery coating around the outer shell of the grain. Soaking farro overnight is a good option when preparing to make this dish because it will significantly shorten the cooking time.
• Switch up your toppings: Nuts, chia seeds, and extra vegetables all make great toppings to this bowl. Avocado is also a great addition that provides a source of protein and good fats. If you do not have any broccoli on hand, you may easily substitute it with another vegetable of your choice as the base.
• Turn it into a salad: Add some leafy greens, such as arugula, kale, or spinach, and cut back on your grains. Grains make excellent additions in salads for added nutrients. Thus, be sure to add some to your salad if you go with this variation.

Frequently Asked Questions About These Broccoli Bowls

Here are some of the top questions readers have asked about this recipe.

How do I make the sauce?

To make this scrumptious sauce, smash a garlic clove until it is turned into a paste with some salt. Then, stir into tahini and combine with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. To smooth things out since tahini can be quite thick, you add just enough water to thin out the sauce into a pourable consistency.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

Roasted vegetable bowls are amazing for meal prep! They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. These make for the perfect side dish or meal that can easily be taken on the go.

Reheat in the microwave or on a stove-top skillet until warmed up. Take inspiration from these Roasted Vegetable Bowls.

Can I substitute farro in this dish?

I prefer to use farro for these bowls due to the grain’s nutritious value. If you are not a fan of farro, feel free to substitute with other healthy grains such as quinoa, brown rice, or even whole-grain barley. The best part about these broccoli bowls is that they are very customizable.

Looking for more delicious vegetarian recipes?

• Cuban Black Bean Bowls
• Vegetarian Chickpea Nuggets
• Ranch Chickpea Burgers
• Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas with Garlic Yogurt