Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl

Dive into the irresistible goodness of our Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl. Nestled on a bed of fluffy brown rice, this bowl features maple-roasted sweet potatoes, roasted walnuts, a hit of spice from fresh chili flakes, and a burst of sweetness from cranberries. This buddha bowl/grain bowl is a harmonious blend of flavors that's both comforting + delicious. Completely Vegan, Gluten-free + Make Ahead Option!

I'm so excited to share another bowl creation with you all! After the massive hit of my recent Vegan Fall Harvest Farro Bowl I wanted to create another tasty nourishing bowl for y'all---Just keeping it real – this bowl was totally born out of another 'clean out the fridge' moment. But you know what? My family absolutely loved this Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl I concocted, and I can't wait for you all to dig in!! It's one of those unexpectedly delicious creations that just works.

If you're on the lookout for more delicious bowls like this one, then the Vegan Jamaican Power Bowl, the Jerk Vegetable Farro Bowl, or, of course, the Savory Chickpea Quinoa Buddha Bowl and the Easy Green Goddess Buffalo Chicken Bowl are excellent options to mix things up. This Sautéed Lemon Garlic Herb Green Beans recipe is a simple, staple side dish that compliments any Thanksgiving table!

This Buddah bowl is healthy + flavor-packed-- It's the kind of dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table thanks to the sweet potato---But the real magic? That maple chili glaze. It adds this fancy touch that takes the whole experience up a notch. Trust me, it's a dish that never disappoints! And if you're a big sweet potato lover definitely try this Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup and Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries next.

What is a Buddha Bowl/Grain Bowl + Its Components?

Whelp, basically a Buddha Bowl is a nourishing one-dish meal that has a little bit of everything. Generally, it consists of rice or grains, roasted veggies, a dressing, and a protein (usually beans, tofu, lentils, + sometimes meats + fish). In short, Buddha Bowls are made with the main focus on clean eating and was created based on Chinese + Japanese medicine principles.

How To Make A Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl

Essentially, there is some prep work involved, but once that's done, it becomes super easy to assemble and enjoy this fall harvest recipe. You'll need to roast the maple chili sweet potato and walnuts, as well as cook the brown rice before assembling it all together.

Ingredients

ROASTED SWEET POTATOES:

• Roasted sweet potato. See my post on how to roast butternut squash perfectly it works for sweet potato too!
• Minced garlic cloves: Infuses a savory and aromatic flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps to roast the sweet potatoes to perfection.
• Pure maple syrup: Introduces a delightful sweetness, complementing the savory and spicy elements.
• Chili flakes or red pepper flakes: Adds a kick of heat.

BOWL:

• Cooked brown rice: Serves as a hearty base. You can sub with Basmati!
• Toasted chopped walnuts: Contributes a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. (See post below on how to roast walnuts)
• Shaved or grated dairy-free parmesan cheese: Brings a cheesy, umami dimension to the bowl. I love using So Delicious Dairy-Free or Violife cheese shreds.
• Dried cranberries. Optional --Infuses a sweet and tangy burst of flavor.

MAPLE CHILI GLAZE:

• Pure maple syrup: For a little extra sweetness.
• Chili flakes or red pepper flakes: Enhances the glaze with a subtle heat.
• A pinch of garlic powder: Introduces a hint of savory garlic flavor to the sweet glaze.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS BOWL!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods, especially with this Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl. Everything from my fave pans, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

What You'll Love About This Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl

• It’s super easy to make.
• Simple set + forget it for the most part—-let the oven do all of the magic!
• Makes for a great weeknight meal or a laidback weekend dinner.
• So well seasoned and full of texture---with hints of spicy + sweet flavors!
• Great for meal prepping + make aheads for the week!
• Super customizable
• Did I mention, it’s just delicious? Both kids + adults approved!

How To Toast Walnuts?

To toast walnuts is super easy and it works for any type of nuts!

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the chopped walnuts onto the baking sheet, ensuring that they are evenly spread out and toast them for 10 minutes, tossing them halfway to prevent browning on just one side. This gives them a deeper nutty flavor that goes beautifully with this grain bowl, and let's be honest.. they make a delicious snack too.

The Best Dressings For Grain Bowls

Although this vegan bowl is perfect as is-- Who doesn't love some extra saucy goodness? I have plenty of dressing options that would pair beautifully with this Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl recipe. Here are some options:

• Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
• Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Creamy Chipotle Dressing
• Homemade Green Goddess Dressing
• Homemade Pesto
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

These root veggies are SO AMAZING for your health. Some important health benefits of sweet potatoes include:

• Improved digestion. They actually contain more fiber than regular potatoes! Sweet potatoes are also a great source of magnesium, which helps aid digestion.
• Boost your immune system. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene (a major antioxidant). This fuels your immune system to help protect your body against illness and foreign invaders. You'll also find plenty of vitamin C and B-complex, iron, and phosphorus in these tubers.
• Treat stomach ulcers. Sweet Potatoes can help soothe and repair the stomach and intestines. The immune-boosting vitamins also help cure stomach ulcers. In addition, the dietary fiber helps prevent constipation and acid formation. This can reduce the risk of ulcers.
• Other benefits: Sweet potatoes are also naturally anti-inflammatory and can reduce arthritis pain.

Can I Use Another Grain Besides Brown Rice?

Absolutely! If you don't have any brown rice on hand or you just don't love brown rice no worries---you can easily substitute it with basmati rice, quinoa, farro or even cauliflower rice. Any of these options would pair beautifully with this bowl, so feel free to choose the one that suits your dietary preferences or what you have available!

Can I Use Butternut Squash Instead Of Sweet Potato?

Yes, of course! These flavors in those grain bowl would go beautifully with squash too. You can follow the recipe the same way; just keep an eye on the roasting time since butternut squash may cook a bit faster. For more details on roasting butternut squash, feel free to check out my post on how to roast butternut squash.

Can I Add More Ingredients to this Grain Bowl?

Definitely! While the fall harvest ingredients in this Maple Chili Sweet Potato Grain Bowl are perfect as is, I wanted to share a few more ideas of ingredients that you can add in case you make this bowl more than once and want to switch things up!

This is a great recipe to mix and match the ingredients/toppings. For added nutrients, fiber, and color, add your favorite veggies + protein.

Here are some additions that would go well in this grain bowl:

• Greens (i.e. spinach, lettuce, mixed greens, arugula, mustard greens, etc.)
• Shredded chicken or Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts-- shrimp, steak, and salmon (if you're a meat eater)
• Microgreens
• Tofu, mushrooms, tempeh, etc. (Great meat alternatives)
• Homemade croutons, baked tortilla, or pita chips
• More roasted veggies (i.e. asparagus, sweet potatoes, zucchini, brussel sprouts, etc.)
• Boiled or poached eggs
• Roasted herb tomatoes
• Candied bacon (if you're a meat eater)

What Drinks Go Well With This Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl?

I really enjoy pairing this vegan buddha bowl/grain bowl with a tasty drink, especially if I've been a bit generous with the chili flakes—oops Haha! Here are some of my favorite beverages to sip alongside this dish-

• Citrus Pear Ginger Detox Tea
• Easy Homemade Lemon Ginger Ale
• Cleansing Sugar Detox Juice
• Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Cider
• Cranberry Lemon Spritzer with Lemonade Ice Cubes

Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl Q + A's

More Healthy Fall Recipes You Will Love

Love this Maple Chili Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl recipe? Try these fall-inspired recipes next!

• Creamy Lemon Herb Butter Gnocchi
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs
• Wild + Brown Rice Stuffed Butternut Squash
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this vegan Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl

November 15, 2023 •

By Shanika

5 from 3 votes

Dive into the irresistible goodness of our Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl. Nestled on a bed of fluffy brown rice, this bowl features maple-roasted sweet potatoes, roasted walnuts, a hit of spice from fresh chili flakes, and a burst of sweetness from cranberries. It's a harmonious blend of flavors that's both comforting and delicious.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 35 minutes mins

Serves: 2 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

ROASTED SWEET POTATOES:

• 1-1 ½ lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled + cubed into 1-inch thick
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes or red pepper flakes (Reduce or increase amount based on level of spiciness desired)

BOWL:

• 2 cups cooked brown rice (You can also sub with basmati rice, farro, quinoa, noodles, etc.)
• Chopped walnuts, toasted
• Grated or shaved dairy-free parmesan
• Dried cranberries, optional

MAPLE CHILI GLAZE:

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes or red pepper flakes
• Pinch of garlic powder

Instructions

TO ROAST THE SWEET POTATOES:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
• Add the peeled + cubed sweet potatoes in a bowl along with the minced garlic, olive oil, maple syrup, and chili flakes or red pepper flakes, stirring until combined and sweet potatoes are coated.
• Add the coated sweet potatoes unto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and become golden brown/charred. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes.

TO MAKE MAPLE CHILI GLAZE:

• In a bowl, stir together the maple syrup and pepper flakes, stirring until combined.

TO ASSEMBLE THE BOWL:

• To serve, add a spoonful of cooked brown rice to a low bowl(s), then top with roasted sweet potatoes, walnuts, cranberries, and grated/shaved dairy-free parmesan. Drizzle with a bit of maple chili glaze and wallah!
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• OIL: If you'd like to use an alternative to olive oil, you can also use melted vegan butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.
• MAKE AHEAD: All ingredients can be made and individually stored as meal prep and assembled when ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 626kcal | Carbohydrates: 101g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 347mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 0.3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 1mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

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