Save 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 made these spiced winter bowls for my family during a snowy weekend, and everyone loved building their own with colorful toppings. The creamy ube&coconut purée and crunchy pistachio-maple crumble made it especially memorable.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash: 2 cups, peeled and cubed
- Sweet potato: 2 cups, peeled and cubed
- Red onion: 1, cut into wedges
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon for vegetables, plus 1/2 teaspoon for grain base
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Quinoa (or brown rice): 1 cup, rinsed
- Water: 2 cups
- Ube (purple yam): 1 cup, cooked and mashed
- Coconut milk: 1/3 cup
- Maple syrup: 1 tablespoon for purée, 1 tablespoon for crumble
- Pistachios: 1/2 cup, shelled and roughly chopped
- Ground cardamom: 1/4 teaspoon
- Baby spinach or kale: 1 cup, chopped
- Pomegranate: 1 small, seeds only
- Feta cheese: 1/3 cup, crumbled (optional)
- Microgreens: For garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss squash, sweet potato, and onion with olive oil, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on 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 saucepan with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with fork and set aside.
- Blend ube-coconut purée:
- Blend mashed ube, coconut milk, maple syrup, and pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust sweetness or coconut milk as desired.
- Make pistachio-maple crumble:
- Heat nonstick skillet over medium. Add pistachios, maple syrup, cardamom, and salt. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until pistachios are sticky and glossy. Spread on parchment paper to cool.
- Assemble bowls:
- Divide quinoa into four bowls. Top with roasted vegetables, ube-coconut purée, pistachio-maple crumble, chopped greens, pomegranate seeds, and feta if using. Garnish with microgreens.
- Serve:
- Serve warm.
Save My kids love scooping the ube-coconut purée on top and adding extra pomegranate for crunch. Sharing this meal always brings some winter joy to our table.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, medium saucepan, mixing bowls, nonstick skillet, and a blender or food processor for the purée help make preparation smooth and easy.
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (pistachios) and dairy (feta, optional). Always check ingredient labels for gluten or cross-contamination if needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 410 calories, 16 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.
Save Enjoy every spoonful of this vibrant winter bowl while the flavors are fresh. Build it your way and savor the comforting blend of textures.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → How do you roast the winter vegetables for best texture?
Toss cubed butternut squash, sweet potato, and red onion with olive oil and spices; spread them evenly on a parchment-lined tray and roast at 400°F, turning once for optimal caramelization.
- → Can I substitute ube in the purée?
If ube isn't available, use purple sweet potato instead for similar earthy flavor and vibrant color in the coconut purée.
- → Which grains work well as a base?
Quinoa offers a light, nutty texture, but brown rice or other whole grains make great alternatives for these bowls.
- → How do I add extra protein?
Roasted chickpeas, lentils, or plant-based cheese options add satisfying protein and texture without changing the overall flavor profile.
- → Are there tips for making this dairy-free and gluten-free?
Omit feta or use vegan cheese for dairy-free bowls, and verify all grains and toppings are labeled gluten-free to suit dietary needs.
- → What beverages pair well with these bowls?
Try a crisp dry Riesling for balance, or serve with homemade spiced chai tea to enhance the warming spices.