Roasted Fall Vegetable Grain Bowl

A warm and cozy roasted fall vegetable grain bowl made with cinnamon and maple spiced apples, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Add to black or brown rice and finish with a drizzle of tahini and/or balsamic vinegar.

This roasted fall vegetable grain bowl features some of my favorite fall produce wrapped in warm and cozy flavors. A simple and delicious way to get in all sorts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

If you love grain bowls be sure to also check out my pesto rice bowl and my vegan buffalo tofu grain bowl.

Ingredients for a cozy fall grain bowl

• Forbidden black rice: a subtle nuttiness flavor that balances out the sweetness from the roasted vegetables and apples. Can be substituted with grain of choice, but I recommend trying black rice if you haven't yet!
• Fuji apple: a crisp and juicy apple that doesn't get mushy when baked.
• Butternut squash: is a fall dish even complete without butternut squash? Paired with coconut aminos and maple syrup it's a sweet and savory delight that just melts in your mouth.
• Cauliflower florets: cauliflower is subtle in this dish but it's magical in tying all the vegetables together. I've only tried this recipe with frozen cauliflower florets, but fresh should work just fine too.
• Brussels sprouts: why aren't more Brussels sprouts made with a dash of cinnamon? It's incredible!
• Coconut aminos: added for hints of umami flavors.
• Avocado oil: provides additional moisture to the vegetables and helps them get a nice crisp glaze.
• Maple syrup: hints of maple with the umami flavors from the coconut aminos take the vegetables from good to great.
• Cinnamon: added for warmth and flavor, another must-have for any fall dish.
• Balsamic vinegar or tahini: pick your favorite! I prefer tahini with just a tiny bit of balsamic. The easiest grain bowl dressing, ever.
• Pumpkin seeds: added for texture and a few extra nutrients.

How to make a roasted fall vegetable grain bowl

1. First, chop apples, cauliflower (or use organic frozen cauliflower florets), butternut squash and Brussels sprouts and add them to a medium-sized mixing bowl. For tips on cutting a butternut squash, check out this post.
2. Next, add coconut aminos, maple syrup, avocado oil (optional) and cinnamon. Toss until coated.
3. Add to a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and add to a bowl with warm black rice.
5. Drizzle with tahini and/or balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.

Variations & Substitutions

• I used forbidden black rice and love the nutty flavor it gives, but brown rice, quinoa, chickpea rice, or any other gluten-free grain can be used instead.
• Additionally, sautéed kale can be added in place of rice (or in addition to)
  • For an easy sautéed kale; chop 4-5 cups of kale and add to a warm sauté pan with a splash of avocado oil, 1-2 tablespoons tamari and minced garlic. Sauté until wilted.
• Brussels sprouts: substitue with additional cauliflower or butternut squash. Alternatively use carrots, asparagus, or broccoli.
• Butternut squash: swap with sweet potatoes, carrots, buttercup squash, or delicata squash.
• For additional protein and nutrients, add tofu to the bowl.
  • For an easy tofu option, marinate tofu for 5-10 minutes and then sear each side on a griddle for 2-4 minutes or until charred.
  • Tofu marinade:
    • 1 tablespoon maple (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon tamari or coconut aminos
    • heavy sprinkle of garlic
    • dash of black pepper

Storage tips

Store rice separately from the mixed vegetables, both in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Rice will last up to a week and the mixed vegetables are best if consumed within 3-4 days.

Reheating tip: for the veggie and apple mix to taste crisp and fresh (as it did day 1) reheat on a warm skillet with a bit of avocado oil & a splash of tamari or coconut aminos. Leave undisturbed for 2-4 minutes, then mix and leave undisturbed for another 2-4 minutes. It can be microwaved for convenience, it just might not have the same initial textures.

📋 Recipe