Healthy Grain Bowl
Recipe Overview
Overview
The Healthy Grain Bowl is a delightful dish that brings together a variety of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious meal. The star of this bowl is the marinated salmon, which is infused with the zesty flavors of lemon and orange, complemented by the tartness of sumac and the warmth of za’atar. This marinade not only enhances the salmon’s flavor but also helps to achieve a beautiful caramelization when cooked.
The farro serves as a hearty base, providing a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender salmon. Cooking the farro in chicken stock adds an extra layer of flavor, making it far from boring. The addition of fresh herbs like dill, mint, and parsley not only brightens the dish but also adds a refreshing element that ties all the components together.
To finish off the bowl, the vibrant colors of cucumbers, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pistachios create an appealing presentation. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon just before serving enhance the overall flavor, making this grain bowl not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish that can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Overall, this Healthy Grain Bowl is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner that leaves you feeling energized and satisfied.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Zest one orange and two lemons.
Tip: Use firm citrus for easier zesting.
Juice the two lemons and one orange.
Add sumac, za'atar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the juice and zest, then whisk together.
Tip: Add honey to the marinade for sweetness and caramelization.
Place salmon fillets in the marinade and spoon marinade over them.
Cover the salmon with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Rinse farro to remove excess starch.
Tip: Rinse farro to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
Combine farro with chicken stock, thyme, and bay leaves, then bring to a boil.
Tip: Cook grains in chicken stock for added flavor.
Tip: Add a pinch of salt to the cooking liquid for better seasoning.
Add farro to boiling stock, stir, cover, and reduce heat to a low simmer.
Chop dill, mint, and parsley for the yogurt.
Tip: Use fresh herbs for better flavor compared to dried herbs.
Combine yogurt with herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Tip: Feel free to customize yogurt with honey or different citrus.
Drain farro and remove herbs after cooking.
Spread half of the farro on a sheet tray, pat dry, and drizzle with olive oil and salt.
Bake the farro in the oven at 425°F until crispy.
Toast pistachios in a pan until fragrant.
Score and open the pomegranate to extract seeds.
Tip: Forget about cook times; trust your senses for doneness.
Skim off the bitter white bits from the pomegranate seeds.
Remove excess marinade from salmon and place skin-side down on a baking tray.
Bake salmon in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
Slice cucumbers using a mandolin and toss with salt.
Switch oven to broil and move salmon to the top rack.
Tip: Avoid overcooking salmon to prevent it from becoming dry.
Combine crispy and chewy farro, swirl yogurt on the plate, and add salmon.
Tip: Use a thin fish spatula to easily separate salmon from the skin.
Garnish with herbs, feta, pistachios, cucumber, and pomegranate seeds.
Squeeze lemon and drizzle olive oil over the finished grain bowl.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Fish
→ Substitution: Tofu or Tempeh
Ingredient: Nuts
→ Substitution: Sunflower Seeds
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Marinating salmon with citrus zest enhances its flavor and aroma.
- •Cooking grains like farro in stock adds depth and richness.
- •Toasting nuts like pistachios intensifies their flavor and crunch.
- •Using fresh herbs elevates the dish's taste and presentation.
