Buddha Bowl with Okra and Purple Cabbage

Name: Buddha Bowl with Okra and Purple Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Ingredients: 2 cups oyster mushrooms; 1 large bell pepper (seeded and diced); 2 cups okra pods; 1 head purple cabbage (grated); 1 large carrot; 1 small onion; 1 cup white beans; 1 tsp favorite spice mix; salt and pepper (to taste); 1 chili pepper (optional ); 1 bunch fresh parsley; 1 large avocado; 1 lime; 2 garlic cloves

By Dragana

5 from 2 votes

Jul 18, 2023

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This Vegan Buddha Bowl with Okra and Purple Cabbage is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines a variety of flavors, textures, and colors.

It is packed with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. It’s a perfect option for those following Weight Watchers and a plant-based diet, as well as anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome and flavorful meal!

The star ingredients, okra and purple cabbage, take center stage with their unique textures and health benefits. Okra, also known as lady’s fingers, adds a delightful crunch to this Buddha Bowl. The okra is lightly sautéed to bring out its natural flavors and maintain its texture. It is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a fantastic addition to any plant-based meal.

If you follow Weight Watchers, this recipe costs 2 points per serving!

Why You Should Try This Buddha Bowl Recipe

Balanced and nutrient-rich. Buddha Bowls are typically composed of a variety of plant-based ingredients such as vegetables, legumes, and proteins. This Buddha Bowl recipe calls for a variety of veggies (fresh and grilled), beans, and avocado dressing. This combination ensures a well-rounded meal that provides a wide range of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. For instance, the purple cabbage, with its vibrant color, adds a pop of visual appeal to the dish. Not only does it provide a satisfying crunch, but it is also a nutritional powerhouse. Purple cabbage is known for its high antioxidant content, including vitamins A and C, which help support a healthy immune system!

Customizable. This Buddha Bowl recipe offers a high level of flexibility and customization. You can choose ingredients based on your personal taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or what’s available in your pantry. This allows you to experiment and create unique flavor combinations to suit your individual palate. Plus, it can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a filling dinner, depending on the portion sizes and ingredients used.
Easy to make. This recipe is relatively simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals or those who prefer hassle-free cooking. Many components can be prepped in advance, such as cooking beans, chopping vegetables, or making the dressing. Assembling the bowl is often a matter of combining the prepared ingredients, which saves time in the kitchen.

It is also great for meal prepping or taking on-the-go. You can prepare multiple servings in advance and store them in portable containers, making them convenient for work lunches, picnics, or travel. The components can be layered or packed separately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess!

Buddha Bowl Recipe Overview

Prep time: 10 min

Cooking time: 10 min

Total time: 20 min

Serves: 4

Ingredients in Buddha Bowl

2 cups oyster mushrooms
1 large bell pepper, seeded and sliced
2 cups okra pods
1 small head of purple cabbage, grated
1 large carrot, julienned
1 small onion, peeled and cut into rings
1 cup cooked or canned white beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp spice mix of choice
Himalayan salt and black pepper, to taste
1 chili pepper, sliced (optional)
A small bunch of fresh parsley (optional)
Avocado Dressing:
1 large avocado, pitted and peeled
1 small lime, freshly squeezed
2 garlic cloves

How to Make Buddha Bowl (step by step)

Preheat a lightly greased grill pan over medium-high heat; once hot, grill the mushrooms and peppers for a few minutes, until charred. Season your veggies to taste and reserve.
Meanwhile, rinse the okra pods thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the stem ends of the okra pods using a sharp knife.
Place a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the okra to the skillet in a single layer. Allow your okra to cook undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing it to brown slightly on one side. (Make sure to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to ensure even cooking).
Then, stir the okra with a spatula. Continue sautéing the okra for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Next, make the avocado dressing by processing the avocado, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender.
Assemble your Buddha Bowl with all the ingredients and serve with the avocado dressing on the side. Bon appétit!

Nutrition facts:

Variations/Substitutions

Instead of using a traditional protein source like beans, try using roasted chickpeas or canned lentils for added fiber and plant-based protein.
Instead of purple cabbage, you can use green cabbage, lettuce, or kale for a different texture and flavor profile.
Add more variety by incorporating roasted sweet potatoes, roasted beets, or steamed broccoli into your bowl.
Include other colorful vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for additional nutrients and visual appeal.
Experiment with different dressings to change the flavor profile of your Buddha Bowl. Try a tangy lemon tahini dressing or a spicy peanut sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped nuts, or crushed red pepper flakes for added crunch and flavor.
Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint can provide a burst of freshness and enhance the overall taste of the bowl.
Squeeze a bit of lime or lemon juice over the top to add a zesty kick!

Tips and Tricks

Choose fresh ingredients. Start with fresh okra and cabbage to ensure optimal flavor and texture in your Buddha bowl. Look for bright green okra pods and crisp cabbage heads. To add depth of flavor to the cabbage, consider sautéing it with some minced garlic and onion. This will give the cabbage a fantastic aroma and flavor!
To elevate the taste of your Buddha bowl, consider using different spices and herbs. For example, sprinkle some cumin, paprika, or turmeric over the okra or cabbage while cooking. Additionally, fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add a refreshing touch when sprinkled on top of the bowl.
Feel free to play with toppings! Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings to add crunch and visual appeal to your Buddha Bowl. Some options include sliced cucumber, toasted sunflower seeds, crushed nuts, or sprouts.
As you assemble your Buddha bowl, aim for a balance of flavors. Incorporate sweet, savory, tangy, and umami elements to create a well-rounded dish. For example, you can include roasted sweet potatoes for sweetness, pickled veggies for tanginess, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

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