Enlightenment and Eternal Life

This recipe is an homage to the meals of the Buddha, the master of enlightenment and eternal life. According to legend, during his life on earth Buddha brought his little bowl with him everywhere he went and people would give to him what they could afford to gift, so he could eat. It was farmer's food- grains and steamed vegetables. More times than not these simple country food is much better for you than the elaborate diets we read of in current magazines. In reality (despite artwork and drawings) the Buddha was very thin during his life on earth. He later became a symbol of eternal life and peace.

This interpretation offers a rainbow of vegetables bringing together all the nutrients you need. Thanks to the protein of the quinoa, the complex carbohydrates from the sweet potato, and beets that stimulate physical performance, this Buddha bowl offers not only the promise of a long life, but also a life full of energy. Please comment below on your thoughts-recipe suggestions or alternatives you tried.

Buddha Bowl

Energetic Buddha Bowl

Serves: 2, Prep: 15 minutes, Cook: 30 minutes

5oz Quinoa A few handfuls of Lamb's lettuce (Arugula or Baby Spinach)

Salt 2 oz Blueberries

1 Sweet Potato 2 TBS Pumpkin or Flax Seeds

1/2 bunch of Asparagus

3 1/2 oz Brussels Sprouts

2 Tsp Olive Oil

1/2 Avocado

2 Cooked Beets

For the Lime Dressing:

1/2 Lime's Juice

1 Tsp White Balsamic Vinegar

1 TBS Olive Oil

1/2 Tsp Mustard

Salt and Pepper

Cook quinoa in boiling water with a little salt until the grains begin to sprout. Remove excess water.

Peel sweet potato, slice it and cook it in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Remove about an inch of the touch asparagus stem.

Remove stems and outermost leaves from the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.

Heat the olive oil in a pan over high heat and sauté them both until they start to become brown.

Dice the avocado and beets.

Lay the lettuce in the bottom of two large bowls. Next add the hot quinoa, sweet potato, asparagus and brussels sprouts (still hot), followed by the avocado, beets, and blueberries.

For the lime dressing mix all ingredients in a bowl and dress the salad. Sprinkle with seeds and enjoy!