Pin A cozy, nutrient-rich bowl featuring roasted winter vegetables, warming spices, and creative toppings like pistachio-maple and ube-coconut. Perfect for chilly days and customizable for the season.
I first made this bowl after a frosty afternoon in the garden. The blend of hearty roasted veggies, creamy ube-coconut, and crunchy toppings captured every cold-weather comfort I was craving.
Ingredients
- Roasted Vegetables: 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed, 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cubed, 1 red onion, cut into wedges, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Grain Base: 1 cup quinoa (or brown rice), rinsed, 2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Ube-Coconut Purée: 1 cup cooked ube (purple yam), mashed, 1/3 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, Pinch of salt
- Pistachio-Maple Crumble: 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, Pinch of salt
- Fresh Toppings: 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped, 1 small pomegranate, seeds only, 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional), Microgreens for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep & Roast Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the squash, sweet potato, and red onion with olive oil, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 30–35 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
- Cook Grain Base:
- While vegetables roast, combine quinoa and water in a saucepan with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Make Ube-Coconut Purée:
- Blend mashed ube, coconut milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust sweetness or coconut milk as desired.
- Prepare Pistachio-Maple Crumble:
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pistachios, maple syrup, cardamom, and salt. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until pistachios are sticky and glossy. Spread on parchment to cool.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Divide quinoa into four bowls. Top with roasted vegetables, a generous dollop of ube-coconut purée, a sprinkle of pistachio-maple crumble, chopped greens, pomegranate seeds, and feta if using. Garnish with microgreens.
- Serve:
- Serve warm.
Pin Winter evenings are extra special when my family helps customize these bowls — little hands love sprinkling pomegranate seeds and everyone gets their favorite toppings.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, medium saucepan, mixing bowls, nonstick skillet, blender or food processor for purée
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (pistachios) and dairy (feta, optional). Always check ingredient labels for gluten contamination if needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 410, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 9 g
Pin These Spiced Winter Bowls are as beautiful as they are filling. Try mixing up toppings based on whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute ube if unavailable?
Yes, you can use purple sweet potato as a substitute for ube. It offers a similar color and mild sweetness.
- → How can I make this vegan?
Omit the feta cheese or opt for a plant-based alternative to keep the dish fully vegan.
- → Are there gluten-containing ingredients?
No, all listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check packaged items for cross-contamination risks.
- → What other toppings work well?
Roasted chickpeas, lentils, sliced avocado, or additional fresh herbs can add flavor and nutrition.
- → How can I boost protein content?
Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or extra quinoa to increase protein in each bowl.
- → What flavors do the spices bring?
Cinnamon, cumin, and smoked paprika give warmth, depth, and a subtle earthiness to the roasted veggies.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prep ingredients in advance and assemble bowls before serving for quick, nourishing meals.