Are you tired of boring, bland lunches that leave you unsatisfied and hungry an hour later? Get ready to revolutionize your midday meal with this incredible Multi Grain Lunch Bowl that's not just a meal, but a nutritional powerhouse! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, hearty farro, and zesty fresh vegetables, this recipe is about to become your new go-to lunch that will keep you energized, satisfied, and feeling like a healthy eating champion.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cooked farro
- 1/2 cup chickpeas
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, typically using a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Similarly, prepare farro by rinsing and cooking in salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain any excess water.
- While grains are cooking, drain and rinse canned chickpeas. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Dice cucumber into small, uniform cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are similar in size for even distribution.
- Once quinoa and farro are cooked, let them cool slightly for 5 minutes to prevent wilting of fresh vegetables.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa and farro. Gently fold in chickpeas, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
- Crumble feta cheese over the grain mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss all ingredients gently to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for a refreshing cold lunch option.
Tips
- Always rinse your grains thoroughly to remove any bitter coating and ensure a clean, fresh taste.
- Use a timer when cooking quinoa and farro to prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect texture.
- Pat chickpeas dry to help them achieve a slightly crispy exterior when mixed into the bowl.
- Let grains cool slightly before adding fresh vegetables to prevent wilting and maintain crisp textures.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting your chickpeas with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin before adding them to the bowl.
- Prep ingredients in advance for a quick, no-fuss lunch during busy workweeks.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh mint or parsley to add an extra layer of flavor.
- If you're meal prepping, keep dressing and feta separate until just before eating to maintain optimal texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
