Energizing Buddha Bowl Selection

Ingredients

• Cinnamon Energy Bites:
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 6 dates, pitted
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Buddha Bowl:
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup brown rice
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ cup fresh fava beans, shelled
• ¼ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup diced Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1 hard-boiled egg
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ¼ avocado, diced
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• Blueberry Drink:
• ¼ cup frozen blueberries
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
• 3 jasmine flower buds
• 2 cups water

Step 1

Tos cashews, dates, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into a food processor. Blend everything until it’s really well mixed, then add the coconut oil and blend again until the mixture sticks together. Scoop out small, gumball-sized bites (about 20 grams each), roll them between your hands, and place them on a baking tray. Pop them in the freezer for at least half an hour, then keep them chilled in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to enjoy.

Step 2

Bring water, brown rice, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a saucepan. Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 8 minutes. Then stir in the fava beans, red bell pepper, and peas. Cook for another 6 minutes or until the rice is tender. Drain any excess water if needed, but don’t rinse the rice. Let it cool completely, which should take around 30 minutes.

Step 3

Once cooled, mix the rice with Swiss cheese and artichoke hearts in a bowl. Whisk together olive oil, mustard, and white wine vinegar in a small bowl, then drizzle this dressing over the rice mixture and toss everything gently. Pack this into a bento box along with a hard-boiled egg.

Step 4

In another section of the box, spoon in some yogurt and top it with sliced avocado, a couple of tablespoons of pomegranate seeds, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. Add the frozen energy bites to a separate compartment, then refrigerate the whole bento box until you’re ready to eat.

Step 5

For a refreshing drink, combine blueberries, a few pomegranate seeds, and jasmine buds in a portable bottle or jar. Pour in water and let it steep in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. Serve this alongside your bento for a refreshing, flavorful boost.