With all of our hot days and cool nights during the fall season in San Diego, I’m often challenged to create meals that are both light and refreshing but also have a depth of flavor and nutrition that speaks to the season. My Sun-kissed Lentil and Rice Bowls provide plenty of plant-based protein for a hearty appetite but are not overwhelming after a long, warm day.
Nutrition Tip:
Creating your own dressing or sauce is a great way to increase the nutritional value of any meal. We’ve included a sun-kissed lemon and sunflower seed butter sauce to our warm bowls, adding a depth of flavor with a farewell nod to summer and big hello to fall.
Benefits of Lentils:
- Lentils contain large amounts of soluble fiber, beneficial for helping lower cholesterol levels.
- They also contain plenty of plant-based, iron-rich protein with approximately 18 grams of protein per cup.
- Lentils are rich in folic acid, magnesium and potassium and provide slow-burning energy. Helpful for those suffering from blood-sugar issues.
Ingredient Transparency:
Organic Jade Pearl Rice: Lotus Foods infuses organic pearled rice with wildcrafted bamboo, creating a deliciously light and fluffy rice that we absolutely LOVE!
French Lentils: Bulk Bin at Whole Foods Market Encinitas – Shopping the bulk department reduces waste and increases the dollars in your pocket. WIN-WIN!
Sunflower Seed Butter: (Used in our Lemon-Sunflower Butter Sauce Recipe) MaraNatha Sunflower Seed Butter is a creamy, (nut-free) addition to any dressing or sauce.
“We lightly toast only the finest hulled sunflower seeds, grind them to perfection and add just a hint of sea salt for a butter that’s rich and flavorful. With no added sugar or preservatives, 9g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving, our Sunflower Seed Butter is a tasty and nutritious substitute for peanut butter and a wonderful addition to your recipes!” -MaraNatha
7 Sources Oil: (Used in our Lemon-Sunflower Butter Sauce Recipe) Flora Health 7 Sources oil is a complete, essential fatty acid product derived from seven different land and sea plants-Flax, sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, evening primrose, algae, and coconut oils. We absolutely love using this oil in our dressings or simply as a simple drizzle over our bowls.
Ume Plum Vinegar: (Used in our Lemon-Sunflower Butter Sauce Recipe) Eden Foods offers a raw, unpasteurized pickling brine from making umeboshi plums. I typically add a splash to almost all of my dressings and sauces for a unique salty flavor.