Balsamic Dijon Tempeh Buddha Bowls

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Balsamic Dijon Tempeh Buddha Bowls- tempeh marinated in a maple balsamic dijon glaze, roasted with fresh vegetables and topped with a simple dijon sauce. A healthy meal that’s super easy to make and packed with flavor! (vegan with gluten-free option)

Balsamic Dijon Tempeh Buddha Bowls- tempeh marinated in a maple balsamic dijon laze, roasted with hearty vegetables and topped with a simple dijon sauce. A healthy meal that's super easy to make and packed with flavor! (vegan + gluten-free)

You might notice that I don’t have a ton of tempeh recipes on my site and that’s because it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to prepare it properly.

The first couple of times I tried it I just chopped it into cubes and cooked it on the stovetop, thinking that would be good enough. No way, Jose. Tempeh on it’s own has a somewhat funky flavor that I don’t particularly care for. In fact, I’m really sensitive to it. That taste has to be thoroughly masked in order for me to enjoy it.

But I’ve discovered with the right marinade and seasonings, the flavor can be pretty awesome.

Balsamic Dijon Tempeh Buddha Bowls- tempeh marinated in a maple balsamic dijon laze, roasted with hearty vegetables and topped with a simple dijon sauce. A healthy meal that's super easy to make and packed with flavor! (vegan + gluten-free)

Now I really love the tempeh bacon bits but if I only had one opportunity to make you a tempeh lover, I’d serve you this recipe. The tangy balsamic paired with the flavors of pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard make for one phenomenal combo. 

If you’re one of those people that doesn’t like to plan ahead then don’t worry. I let tempeh sit in the marinade for several hours the first time I made it and then just 15 minutes the second time (while I chopped the vegetables) and it was great both ways.

Once the tempeh is covered with the marinade and the veggies are chopped, all you have to do is bake everything in the oven. Super easy.

Balsamic Dijon Tempeh Buddha Bowls- tempeh marinated in a maple balsamic dijon laze, roasted with hearty vegetables and topped with a simple dijon sauce. A healthy meal that's super easy to make and packed with flavor! (vegan + gluten-free)

Balsamic Dijon Tempeh Buddha Bowls- tempeh marinated in a maple balsamic dijon laze, roasted with hearty vegetables and topped with a simple dijon sauce. A healthy meal that's super easy to make and packed with flavor! (vegan + gluten-free)

Balsamic Dijon Tempeh Buddha Bowls- tempeh marinated in a maple balsamic dijon laze, roasted with hearty vegetables and topped with a simple dijon sauce. A healthy meal that's super easy to make and packed with flavor! (vegan + gluten-free)

Actually, I was really close to calling this a one-pan meal but I couldn’t fit everything on one cookie sheet so…yeah.

But the second dish doesn’t take that much time to wash. Especially if your spouse does it for you. Which they totally should because you cooked. It’s only fair.

Balsamic Dijon Tempeh Buddha Bowls- tempeh marinated in a maple balsamic dijon laze, roasted with hearty vegetables and topped with a simple dijon sauce. A healthy meal that's super easy to make and packed with flavor! (vegan + gluten-free)

 

Balsamic Dijon Tempeh Buddha Bowls

Yield: 4 bowls

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 45

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Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces organic tempeh, cut into small triangles*
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons tamari
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon high heat oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 lb brussels sprouts, peeled and halved (about 4 cups)
  • 5 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks (about 3 cups)
  • 3-4 yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
  • 1 cup frekkeh (I like Bob’s Red Mill)** (optional)
  • Dijon sauce for serving***

Directions:

  1. Start by steaming the tempeh in a steamer basket for 10 minutes. This step is optional but it really allows the tempeh pores to open and absorb the flavors.
  2. While the tempeh steams, prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, the balsamic vinegar, tamari, mustard, oil, garlic powder and maple syrup. Set aside.
  3. Once the tempeh has cooled, cut into small triangles then place in the bowl with the marinade. Stir until tempeh is evenly coated in marinade.
  4. Preheat the oven to 400°F then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the brussels, carrots and potatoes on the baking sheet. Lightly coat with high heat oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Add the tempeh to the oven during the last 10 minutes and cook until heated through.
  5. Meanwhile prepare the freekeh by bringing 2 cups salted water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the freekeh, turn heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes, until water has absorbed. Remove from heat then cover with a lid and allow to steam for 10 minutes.
  6. Arrange the freekeh with cooked vegetables and tempeh in separate bowls. Top with Dijon sauce (see notes), serve warm and enjoy!

*steaming the tempeh before adding the marinade opens the pores and allows it to absorb the maximum amount of flavor. You can achieve this by placing the block of tempeh in a skillet with a few tablespoons of water over medium heat. Cover and let “steam” for 5-10 minutes, then cut and add to a bowl with the marinade.

**sub quinoa or brown rice to make GF, or omit grain altogether

***Sauce is optional. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (depending on your preferences) and 1 teaspoon maple syrup.

 

 

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback! heart

by Sarah on March 8, 2017  //  Dinner, Fall, Recipes, Recipes by Season, Winter
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