11 Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls for Balanced School Dinners

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Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl

The Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl is a nutritious, comforting dish perfect for the autumn season. Loaded with colorful roasted vegetables and protein-packed quinoa, this hearty bowl is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors and essential nutrients. Ideal for meal prep or a cozy dinner, it embraces the flavors of fall with its seasonal ingredients.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse quinoa under cold water, then combine with water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, toss the diced bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and thyme on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
5. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide it into bowls. Top with the roasted vegetables and sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Farro With Butternut Squash and Kale

The Farro With Butternut Squash and Kale is a warm, satisfying bowl that captures the essence of autumn. This dish combines nutty farro with sweet roasted butternut squash and vibrant kale, creating a nutrient-rich meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with fiber and vitamins, it’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse farro under cold water and combine with water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes until tender.
3. On a baking sheet, toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until caramelized, flipping halfway through.
4. In the last 5 minutes of roasting, add chopped kale to the baking sheet with the butternut squash to let it wilt.
5. Drain the farro and combine it with the roasted butternut squash and kale. Drizzle with maple syrup if using, and toss to combine. Serve warm, garnished with pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme. Enjoy!

Brown Rice and Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Brown Rice and Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts is a nourishing and inviting dish that showcases the delightful flavors of autumn. This recipe combines hearty brown rice with caramelized Brussels sprouts, enhanced by a sweet and savory maple glaze. The combination not only offers a warm meal but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner.

Cooking Steps

1. Rinse brown rice under cold water and combine with water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes until tender.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Toss Brussels sprouts in a bowl with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
4. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden and tender.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and serve topped with the maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, and add balsamic vinegar and walnuts if desired. Enjoy!

Barley Salad With Apples and Cranberries

Barley Salad with Apples and Cranberries is a delightful and wholesome dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of autumn. This vibrant salad combines hearty barley with crisp apples, tart cranberries, and a revitalizing dressing, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish. It’s not only nutritious but also packed with seasonal flavors that celebrate the harvest.

Cooking Steps

1. Rinse barley under cold water and combine it with water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until tender.
2. In a bowl, mix the diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and green onions.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
4. Once the barley is cooked, drain and let it cool slightly, then combine with the apple mixture.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and garnish with chopped walnuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Millet and Spinach With Feta Cheese

Millet and Spinach with Feta Cheese is a nourishing and colorful grain bowl that beautifully marries the earthy flavors of millet with the freshness of spinach and the tanginess of feta cheese. This dish not only serves as a satisfying vegetarian meal but also incorporates the best autumnal greens, making it a perfect addition to your autumn harvest grain bowl repertoire.

Cooking Steps

1. Rinse millet under cold water and combine it with water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the millet is tender and water is absorbed.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Once the millet is cooked, fluff it with a fork and combine it with the sautéed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
5. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm. Enjoy your wholesome millet and spinach dish!

Couscous With Pumpkin and Chickpeas

Couscous with Pumpkin and Chickpeas is a delightful autumn-inspired dish that combines the nutty flavor of couscous with the sweetness of roasted pumpkin and the heartiness of chickpeas. This vibrant grain bowl not only highlights the seasonal produce but also offers a comforting and nutritious meal that is perfect for cozy evenings.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed pumpkin with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and cinnamon. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
2. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for about 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
3. In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Mix the roasted pumpkin and drained chickpeas into the skillet, stirring to combine.
5. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then add it to the pumpkin and chickpea mixture. Toss gently to incorporate and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your satisfying Couscous with Pumpkin and Chickpeas!

Wild Rice With Mushrooms and Thyme

Wild Rice with Mushrooms and Thyme is a flavorful and earthy grain dish that embodies the essence of autumn. This dish combines the nutty, chewy texture of wild rice with sautéed mushrooms and aromatic thyme, creating a comforting bowl that showcases seasonal ingredients and is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Cooking Steps

1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water, then add it to a pot with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes until tender.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add chopped thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
4. Once the wild rice is cooked, drain any excess broth and add it to the skillet with the mushrooms. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish with chopped walnuts and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty Wild Rice with Mushrooms and Thyme!

Bulgur Salad With Pomegranate and Parsley

Bulgur Salad with Pomegranate and Parsley is a vibrant, invigorating dish that celebrates the colors and flavors of autumn. This salad combines nutty bulgur wheat with sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect addition to any fall meal or a delightful light lunch.

Cooking Steps

1. Rinse the bulgur wheat under cold water, then add it to a pot with vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled bulgur, pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your invigorating Bulgur Salad with Pomegranate and Parsley!

Oats With Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans

Oats with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans is a hearty, nutritious dish that brings together wholesome ingredients for a filling meal. This savory bowl features creamy oats, roasted sweet potatoes, and protein-packed black beans, making it a comforting option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner during the autumn months.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, bring vegetable broth or water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rolled oats and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and cooked through.
3. Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and combine them with black beans in a bowl.
4. Serve the creamy oats in bowls, topped with the sweet potato and black bean mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your warm and satisfying Oats With Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans!

Spelt and Roasted Beetroot Salad

Spelt and Roasted Beetroot Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of roasted beets with the nutty texture of spelt, making it a perfect autumnal meal. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome addition to any table.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed beets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30-35 minutes or until tender.
2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rinsed spelt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water if necessary.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar to create a dressing.
4. Once the beets and spelt are cooked, combine them in a large bowl. Add crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and walnuts. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature as a hearty autumn dish. Enjoy your Spelt and Roasted Beetroot Salad!

Freekeh With Caramelized Onions and Garlic

Freekeh With Caramelized Onions and Garlic is a delightful autumn dish that combines the nutty flavor of freekeh with the rich sweetness of caramelized onions and garlicky goodness. This dish not only brings warmth to chilly evenings but also offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal addition to any grain bowl.

Cooking Steps

1. In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. In a separate pot, bring water (or vegetable broth) to a boil, stir in rinsed freekeh, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the grains are tender.
4. Once freekeh is cooked, fluff with a fork and add it to the caramelized onions and garlic in the skillet.
5. Stir in remaining olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well and serve warm as a delicious autumn grain bowl base. Enjoy your Freekeh With Caramelized Onions and Garlic!