Roasted Autumn Vegetable & Quinoa Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled, cubed
• 2 medium carrots, peeled, chopped
• 1 sweet potato, peeled, cubed
• 1 small beet, peeled, cubed
• 1/2 head of purple cabbage, chopped into thick slices
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)

For the dressing:

• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup (optional)
• Water, to thin the dressing

Toppings (optional):

• Pomegranate seeds
• Fresh parsley or cilantro
• A sprinkle of hemp seeds or chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook the quinoa: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until fluffy. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
3. Prepare the vegetables: Toss the butternut squash, carrots, sweet potato, beet, and cabbage with olive oil, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on the lined baking sheet.
4. Roast the veggies: Roast the vegetables for about 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are tender and caramelised at the edges.
5. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and maple syrup. Add water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth and pourable consistency.
6. Assemble the bowls: Divide the quinoa into bowls, top with the roasted vegetables, and drizzle the tahini dressing over everything. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, pomegranate seeds, and fresh herbs if desired.

Why it’s great for gut health:

• Butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes are high in fibre, helping to promote healthy digestion.
• Beets contain betalains, which can support liver function and gut health.
• Purple cabbage is rich in prebiotics, feeding good bacteria in the gut.
• Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and can aid digestion.
• Pumpkin seeds provide additional fibre and are rich in magnesium, which supports a healthy gut.