Buddha Bowl with Peanut Dressing

This bowl is all about using what you have—leftover rice, whatever veggies are hanging out in the fridge, and one killer dressing to tie it all together. The combo of our Umami Mami blend with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a scoop of peanut butter is chef’s kiss creamy, salty, and nutty perfection. I make this when I want something cozy but colorful, nourishing but fast. It’s a little crunchy, a little creamy, and always satisfying.

Let's make it

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice (leftover is perfect)
  • Roasting veggies: sweet potato, cauliflower (or whatever you’ve got)
  • Kale
  • Cucumber
  • Red cabbage
  • Green onion
  • Peeled Edamame
  • Carrots
  • Almond Slivers
  • Sesame oil
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Salt & pepper
  • Umami Mami Dressing Blend
  • Peanut butter (or almond/cashew butter — we use Barney’s)

Directions

1. Chop sweet potato and cauliflower. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper—simple is best. Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy.

2. Drizzle chopped kale with sesame oil. Massage with your hands until softened and glossy.

3. Slice cucumber, shred cabbage, thinly slice green onion, and julienne the carrots (we're obsessed with this tool) 

4. Toss leftover rice with a drizzle of sesame oil and a splash of soy sauce or tamari.

5. Make your Umami Mami blend with a 5tbs sesame oil (olive oil works too), 2tbs rice vinegar, and a scoop of peanut butter. Shake until smooth and creamy. Add water if needed.

6. Assemble your bowl

  • Base: sesame-soy rice and massaged kale
  • Additions: roasted sweet potato + cauliflower, cucumber, cabbage, green onion, julienned carrots
  • Protein: edamame (would be great with chicken, shrimp or tofu)
  • Toppers: Almond slivers and microgreens
  • Dressed with: Umami Mami Peanut Dressing

Pairs Well With

  • A cozy night in
  • A fridge of veggies that need to be used
  • Rewatching your favorite comfort show

Leftovers

Store components separately for 2–3 days. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar and drizzle fresh as you go.

✨ Tag us @afternoonfoods if you make it!
Here’s to more enjoying, less doing.

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