Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBasic KitchenBasic Bowl Recipe

Basic Bowl Recipe

Inspired by Basic Kitchen
Time50m
Serves2

roasted sweet potato, masala chickpeas, herby greens and broccoli, quinoa, magic green sauce

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Grains & Base

Roasted Sweet Potato

Method

Grains & Base

  1. 1

    Cook the quinoa

    Rinse 1 cup quinoa in a fine mesh sieve until water runs clear. Combine rinsed quinoa, 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt in a small pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest covered 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Keep warm.

Roasted Sweet Potato

  1. 2

    Prepare and roast sweet potato

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel (optional) and cut sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes to measure ~2 cups. Toss with 1.5 tbs olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a sheet pan in a single layer. Roast for 22–28 minutes, tossing halfway, until edges are golden and tender. Keep warm or let cool slightly before assembling.

Masala Chickpeas

  1. 3

    Sauté aromatics

    Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. 4

    Spice and simmer chickpeas

    Add 1.5 cups drained chickpeas, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric and 1/2 tsp garam masala to the skillet. Stir to coat spices, then add 1 tbs tomato paste and 2 tbs water to loosen. Cook 4–6 minutes, gently mashing a few chickpeas with the back of a spoon to create a saucy texture. Finish with 1 tbs lemon juice and 1/2 tsp salt. Adjust seasoning to taste and keep warm.

Greens & Broccoli

  1. 5

    Prepare broccoli

    If roasting sweet potatoes in the oven with time to spare, spread 2 cups broccoli florets on a sheet pan, toss with 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly charred. Alternatively, steam or sauté broccoli in a skillet 4–6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

  2. 6

    Wilt herby greens

    In the same skillet used for chickpeas (wipe if needed), add the chopped herby greens (2 cups). Sauté over medium for 1–2 minutes with a tiny splash of water or 1 tsp olive oil until just wilted. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Magic Green Sauce

  1. 7

    Make the sauce

    In a blender or food processor combine 1 cup packed cilantro, 1/2 cup packed parsley, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 3 tbs olive oil, 1 tbs lemon juice, 1 minced small garlic clove, 2 tbs water, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground cumin and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Adjust thickness with additional water 1 tsp at a time to reach a creamy pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lemon.

Finishing & Assemble

  1. 8

    Assemble the BASIC BOWL

    Divide warm quinoa between 2 bowls (about 1/2 cup cooked quinoa per bowl as base). Arrange roasted sweet potato (about 1 cup total), masala chickpeas (about 3/4 cup total), broccoli (about 1 cup total) and wilted herby greens on top in sections. Drizzle each bowl with 2–3 tbs magic green sauce (or to taste).

  2. 9

    Garnish and serve

    Sprinkle 1 tbs toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped almonds over each bowl and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. Serve immediately.

More from Basic Kitchen