Ina Garten’s Cozy Vegetable & Grain Bowl Recipe You’ll Love

Warm vegetable and grain bowls offer a delightful culinary journey through textures, colors, and nutritional richness.

Complex yet comforting, these wholesome meals combine vibrant ingredients that dance across your palate with exceptional harmony.

Seasonal produce transforms simple grains into extraordinary dining experiences that nourish both body and soul.

Each carefully selected component contributes a unique flavor profile and nutritional benefit, creating balanced and satisfying meals.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate humble ingredients into something truly spectacular, blending rustic charm with contemporary cooking styles.

Nutrient-dense combinations ensure you feel energized and completely satisfied after enjoying these versatile, adaptable dishes.

The magic lies in harmonizing complementary flavors and celebrating fresh, high-quality ingredients: prepare to be amazed.

Grain Bowl Grocery Guide

• Bulgur: Hearty whole grain with nutty flavor, provides substantial base for the bowl.

• Butternut Squash, Carrots, Onion: Sweet winter vegetables that caramelize beautifully when roasted, adding depth and rich flavor to the dish.

• Arugula, Kale: Peppery and nutrient-dense greens that create a fresh foundation.
• Edamame: Protein-packed soybeans that add vibrant green color and plant-based protein.
• Walnuts: Crunchy, omega-rich nuts that provide texture and healthy fats.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds richness and smoothness to the bowl.

• Cranberries: Tart and sweet dried fruit that brings balanced brightness.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for smooth, rich dressing base.
• Vinegar: Provides acidic balance to the rich ingredients.
• Mustard: Adds sharp, tangy depth to the vinaigrette.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that intensifies overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all ingredient flavors.

Warm Veggie Grain Bowl Directions

Step 1: Cooking Bulgur

• Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan
• Remove from heat
• Add bulgur and salt
• Cover and let sit for 30 minutes

Step 2: Roasting Vegetable Medley

Prepare your oven and baking sheet:

• Onion
• Butternut squash
• Carrots
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Drizzle vegetables with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper

Toss ingredients thoroughly. Spread in a single layer on baking sheet

Roast for 25-30 minutes. Stir once during cooking

Check for tenderness

Step 3: Creating Vibrant Salad Base

Prepare the green mixture:

• Arugula
• Kale
• Edamame
• Cranberries
• Walnuts

• Whisk in a small bowl: Vinegar, mustard, garlic
• Slowly incorporate olive oil
• Blend until smooth

Step 4: Assembling Delicious Bowls

• Drizzle greens with vinaigrette
• Divide salad base into four bowls
• Spoon warm bulgur into bowl centers
• Add goat cheese on top
• Distribute roasted vegetables evenly

Step 5: Serving with Flair

• Optional: Sprinkle additional salt
• Drizzle extra vinaigrette
• Serve immediately while warm

Tips for Balanced Veggie & Grain Flavor

• Maximize Vegetable Flavor: Select peak-season, vibrant vegetables to elevate the dish's taste and nutrition. Local farmers markets offer the freshest, most flavorful produce.
• Perfect Roasting Technique: Arrange vegetables with ample space on baking sheets to ensure crispy, caramelized edges. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, reducing the desired crispness.
• Prep Bulgur Like a Pro: Soak bulgur in advance to reduce cooking time and enhance its fluffy texture. A quick fork fluff before serving ensures light, separate grains.
• Create Silky Vinaigrette: Drizzle olive oil gradually while whisking to emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth, well-blended sauce that clings beautifully to greens.
• Embrace Warm Comfort: Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the delightful contrast of warm roasted vegetables against fresh greens, creating a cozy, satisfying meal experience.

Storage Tips That Keep It Fresh

• Freeze Portions: Divide the remaining Warm Vegetable & Grain Bowl into individual meal-sized containers for quick future lunches. Wrap tightly with freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents, storing them flat to maximize freezer space. These meals stay fresh for up to 2 months, offering convenient grab-and-go options during busy weeks.
• Refrigerate Smart: Store the bowl in a glass container with a tight-sealing lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Keep the grains and vegetables separate from any dressing to prevent sogginess. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from the door. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.

Creative Grain Bowl Combos to Try

• Winter Harvest Bowl: Swap butternut squash with sweet potatoes and add roasted Brussels sprouts for an earthy, seasonal flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Grain Bowl: Replace bulgur with quinoa, incorporate feta cheese instead of goat cheese, and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Spicy Southwest Bowl: Use brown rice as the base, introduce black beans, swap arugula with spinach, and sprinkle chili powder on roasted vegetables for a bold, zesty experience.
• Protein-Packed Bowl: Include grilled chicken or tofu, replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds, and add a drizzle of tahini dressing for extra protein and creamy texture.

Final Notes on This Healthy Dish

Grain bowls whisper culinary stories of comfort and nourishment, blending Ina Garten’s signature style with wholesome ingredients.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across your palate, transforming simple vegetables into a symphony of textures and tastes.

Roasted butternut squash and carrots provide earthy warmth, while tangy goat cheese adds luxurious depth to each carefully composed bite.

Crisp arugula and kale create a nutrient-packed foundation that celebrates seasonal produce with elegant simplicity.

Crunchy walnuts and sweet cranberries introduce playful contrasts that elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Now, grab those ingredients, share this delightful recipe with friends, sprinkle some love, and let deliciousness inspire your next meal!

What’s Great About This Warm Grain Bowl

• Elevate Comfort with Wholesome Warmth: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing bowl that hugs your taste buds with layers of roasted vegetables, hearty grains, and vibrant greens.
• Texture Symphony in Every Bite: The crisp-tender roasted vegetables dance alongside chewy bulgur, crunchy walnuts, and silky goat cheese, creating a multi-textural experience that keeps every mouthful exciting.
• Quick Gourmet Magic: Packed with restaurant-quality flavors, this one-pan vegetable roasting method and simple vinaigrette preparation make a sophisticated meal achievable in under an hour, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious nutrition.

Ina Garten Warm Vegetable & Grain Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Warm Vegetable & Grain Bowl brings Mediterranean comfort to your table with roasted seasonal vegetables and hearty grains. Rich flavors and nutritious ingredients combine in a simple yet elegant dish perfect for nourishing meals you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Roasted Vegetables:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) butternut squash, ½-inch diced
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) heirloom baby carrots, scrubbed and halved lengthwise
• 0.5 red onion, cut into 8 wedges through the stem
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Grains and Base:

• 0.75 cup (5 ounces / 142 grams) whole-grain bulgur wheat
• 3 ounces (85 grams) baby arugula
• 4 ounces (113 grams) baby kale, julienned crosswise

Toppings and Dressing Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (2 ounces / 57 grams) dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup (1.5 ounces / 43 grams) toasted walnuts or pecans
• 0.5 cup (85 grams) frozen shelled edamame, defrosted
• 3 ounces (85 grams) creamy goat cheese, thickly sliced
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) Champagne or white wine vinegar
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) good olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon minced garlic
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Hydrate the bulgur by pouring boiling water (240 milliliters) into a small saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in bulgur and of salt, cover, and allow to rest for half an hour, enabling the grains to absorb liquid and become tender.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Arrange chopped onion, butternut squash, and carrots on a baking sheet. Drizzle with of olive oil, season with of salt and of ground black pepper, thoroughly tossing to coat vegetables evenly. Spread ingredients in a single layer, roasting for 25-30 minutes and rotating once to ensure uniform caramelization and softness.
3. Construct the salad foundation by combining fresh arugula, kale, shelled edamame, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts in a spacious mixing bowl. Create vinaigrette by whisking together vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a separate small bowl. Gradually incorporate remaining olive oil (120 milliliters), emulsifying into a smooth dressing.
4. Assemble grain bowls while ingredients remain warm. Lightly coat greens with vinaigrette, distributing mixture into four generously sized serving bowls. Centrally place a portion of bulgur in each bowl, strategically topping with crumbled goat cheese. Layer roasted vegetable medley over the grains, ensuring equal distribution.
5. Finish by optionally sprinkling additional salt, drizzling remaining vinaigrette, and serving immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Whisk vinaigrette with patience by slowly drizzling olive oil to create a silky, emulsified dressing that perfectly coats every ingredient.
• Prepare bulgur ahead of time by soaking it early, allowing flexible timing and ensuring fluffy texture when mixed into the salad.
• Roast vegetables strategically by spreading them in a single layer on baking sheets, preventing steaming and maximizing caramelization.
• Select vibrant, seasonal vegetables like butternut squash and baby carrots to elevate the dish’s natural flavor and nutritional value.
• Enjoy the salad immediately after assembling, when warm roasted vegetables gently wilt the greens and create a comforting, satisfying meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of the recipe)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg