Hearty Winter Grain Bowl

Featured in: Kitchen Daily Picks

This hearty winter grain bowl blends warm farro or quinoa with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato. Sautéed kale or Swiss chard adds vibrant greens, while a creamy tahini-based dressing brings a zesty finish. Toasted pumpkin seeds and optional crumbled feta introduce texture and richness. Perfect for chilly days, it balances nourishing grains with fresh, earthy flavors in a convenient, easy-to-prepare dish that suits vegetarian and gluten-free preferences.

Updated on Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:21:56 GMT
A colorful winter grain bowl with roasted root vegetables, sautéed greens, and a creamy tahini dressing. Pin It
A colorful winter grain bowl with roasted root vegetables, sautéed greens, and a creamy tahini dressing. | akalbites.com

As winter's chill settles in, there's nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty grain bowl brimming with seasonal goodness. This Hearty Winter Grain Bowl brings together nutty farro (or quinoa for a gluten-free option), caramelized root vegetables, and vitamin-packed greens, all tied together with a luscious tahini dressing that adds creaminess and depth. It's a celebration of winter's bounty in one nourishing bowl.

A colorful winter grain bowl with roasted root vegetables, sautéed greens, and a creamy tahini dressing. Pin It
A colorful winter grain bowl with roasted root vegetables, sautéed greens, and a creamy tahini dressing. | akalbites.com

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This recipe was born from the desire to create something deeply satisfying yet nutritious during the coldest months of the year. The earthy sweetness of roasted root vegetables pairs beautifully with the nutty chew of farro, while the garlicky sautéed greens add a pop of color and vital nutrients. The tahini dressing, with its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, brings everything together in harmony.

Ingredients

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  • Grains: 1 cup farro or quinoa (for gluten-free option), 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • Roasted Root Vegetables: 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced), 2 parsnips (peeled and diced), 1 small sweet potato (peeled and cubed), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Greens: 4 cups kale or Swiss chard (stems removed and chopped), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic (minced), pinch of salt
  • Dressing: 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp warm water (more as needed), 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional Toppings: 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan), 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.
Cook the grains
Meanwhile, rinse grains. In a medium saucepan, combine grains and broth (or water). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender (about 20 minutes for quinoa, 30 minutes for farro). Drain any excess liquid.
Sauté the greens
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tbsp olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chopped greens and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring, until wilted (about 3–4 minutes).
Make the dressing
For the dressing, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, warm water, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add more water for desired consistency.
Assemble the bowls
To assemble, divide warm grains between bowls. Top with roasted vegetables and sautéed greens. Drizzle generously with dressing. Garnish with pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, and parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für optimale Ergebnisse sollten Sie die Wurzelgemüse in gleichmäßige Stücke schneiden, damit sie gleichmäßig garen. Die Tahini-Sauce kann zunächst sehr dick erscheinen - fügen Sie bei Bedarf einfach mehr warmes Wasser hinzu, um die gewünschte Konsistenz zu erreichen. Wenn Sie im Voraus kochen möchten, können Sie das Getreide und die gerösteten Gemüse bis zu drei Tage im Kühlschrank aufbewahren und vor dem Servieren erwärmen.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

Diese Schüssel ist äußerst vielseitig. Probieren Sie andere Wintergemüse wie Rote Bete, Rüben oder Kürbis. Für zusätzliches Protein können Sie geröstete Kichererbsen, gebratenen Tofu oder gegrilltes Hähnchen hinzufügen. Wenn Sie eine vegane Version wünschen, lassen Sie den Feta weg oder ersetzen Sie ihn durch eine pflanzliche Alternative. Sie können auch andere Körner wie Gerste, Freekeh oder Bulgur verwenden, wenn Sie keine glutenfreie Diät einhalten.

Serviervorschläge

Diese nahrhafte Schüssel ist ein vollständiges Gericht für sich, aber sie passt auch gut zu einer einfachen Suppe als Vorspeise. Für einen besonderen Anlass servieren Sie die Schüssel mit einem knackigen Weißwein oder Sprudelwasser mit Zitrone. Die Schüssel eignet sich hervorragend zum Mitnehmen zum Mittagessen - packen Sie die Sauce separat ein und gießen Sie sie kurz vor dem Servieren darüber, um die optimale Textur zu erhalten.

Pin It
| akalbites.com

This Hearty Winter Grain Bowl is more than just a meal—it's a warming ritual for cold days. The combination of chewy grains, sweet roasted vegetables, and nutrient-dense greens creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that satisfies both body and soul. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or packed for lunch the next day, this versatile bowl adapts to your needs while delivering consistent comfort and nourishment throughout the winter season.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the grains in this bowl?

Yes, farro can be replaced with quinoa for a gluten-free option, or other grains like brown rice or barley based on preference.

What vegetables work well if I want to change the roasted roots?

Beets, turnips, or sweet potatoes are excellent alternatives and maintain the warm, earthy notes of the dish.

How can I make the dressing creamier or thinner?

Adjust the consistency by adding more warm water for thinness or additional tahini for creaminess when mixing.

Is it possible to prepare this bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely. Roast the vegetables and cook the grains in advance, store separately, and assemble just before serving to preserve flavors.

What protein options pair well with this grain bowl?

Roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken enhance protein content without overpowering the natural flavors.

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Hearty Winter Grain Bowl

Warm grains combined with roasted root vegetables, sautéed greens, and a flavorful dressing for a comforting meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Total Duration
55 minutes
Recipe by Ethan Jacobs


Skill Needed Easy

Cuisine Modern American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Based

What You'll Need

Grains

01 1 cup farro or quinoa
02 2 cups vegetable broth or water

Roasted Root Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
02 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
03 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Greens

01 4 cups kale or Swiss chard, stems removed and chopped
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 clove garlic, minced
04 Pinch of salt

Dressing

01 1/4 cup tahini
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon maple syrup
04 2 tablespoons warm water, plus more as needed
05 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

01 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
02 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How-To

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Prepare and Roast Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.

Step 03

Cook Grains: Rinse grains. In a medium saucepan, combine grains and broth or water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender, approximately 20 minutes for quinoa or 30 minutes for farro. Drain any excess liquid.

Step 04

Sauté Greens: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chopped greens and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring, until wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 05

Prepare Dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, warm water, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add more water as needed for desired consistency.

Step 06

Assemble Bowl: Divide warm grains between bowls. Top with roasted vegetables and sautéed greens. Drizzle generously with dressing.

Step 07

Finish and Serve: Garnish with pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, and parsley if desired. Serve warm.

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What You'll Need

  • Large baking sheet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for possible allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains sesame from tahini
  • Contains dairy from feta cheese; omit or substitute for vegan or allergy-friendly version
  • May contain gluten if using farro; use quinoa for gluten-free option
  • Always check product labels for hidden allergens

Nutrition (per portion)

Details here are just for reference and not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Kcal: 420
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Proteins: 11 g

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