Ingredients
Main Ingredients
![Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Sesame Seed, 20 ounce (Pack of 1) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Sesame Seed, 20 ounce (Pack of 1)](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B08H67L7RS.jpg)
![Badia Sesame Seed Hulled, 16 Ounce (Pack of 6) Badia Sesame Seed Hulled, 16 Ounce (Pack of 6)](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B07H9K148X.jpg)
![McCormick Culinary Whole Sesame Seed, 16 oz - One 16 Ounce Container of Hulled Whole White Sesame Seeds Perfect for Noodle Dishes, Sushi, Stir-Fries and Coating for Meat and Fish McCormick Culinary Whole Sesame Seed, 16 oz - One 16 Ounce Container of Hulled Whole White Sesame Seeds Perfect for Noodle Dishes, Sushi, Stir-Fries and Coating for Meat and Fish](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B008OGCZPA.jpg)
For the Sauce
![TOSS Basil Leaves 28 OZ Bulk- Seasoning for Sauces, Soups & Pesto - Premium Quality Culinary Herb for Cooking and Flavoring Dishes TOSS Basil Leaves 28 OZ Bulk- Seasoning for Sauces, Soups & Pesto - Premium Quality Culinary Herb for Cooking and Flavoring Dishes](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B0BYL6Z9CP.jpg)
![Zen Basil Seeds | Edible Basil Seeds USDA Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, lectin Free, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Keto, Paleo, Vegan | 15g Fiber per/serv | 14oz | More Fiber Than chia Seeds | prebiotic Zen Basil Seeds | Edible Basil Seeds USDA Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, lectin Free, Gluten Free, Plant Based, Keto, Paleo, Vegan | 15g Fiber per/serv | 14oz | More Fiber Than chia Seeds | prebiotic](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B07C7PVBL1.jpg)
![Spice Classics Dried Basil Leaves, 1.75 lb - One 1.75 Pound Container of Bulk Basil Seasoning for Back-of-House Use, Perfect Substitute for Fresh Basil Spice Classics Dried Basil Leaves, 1.75 lb - One 1.75 Pound Container of Bulk Basil Seasoning for Back-of-House Use, Perfect Substitute for Fresh Basil](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B00122AM0I.jpg)
![LorAnn Coconut Bakery Emulsion, 16 ounce bottle LorAnn Coconut Bakery Emulsion, 16 ounce bottle](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B0081TZU7U.jpg)
![365 By Whole Foods Market, Coconut Milk Unsweetened Organic, 13.5 Ounce 365 By Whole Foods Market, Coconut Milk Unsweetened Organic, 13.5 Ounce](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B09P4N3WBM.jpg)
![Native Forest Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk – Canned Coconut Milk, No Guar Gum, Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA Organic – Simple, 13.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 12) Native Forest Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk – Canned Coconut Milk, No Guar Gum, Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA Organic – Simple, 13.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B011LVDECM.jpg)
Instructions
Step 1
Start by rinsing 100 grams of lentils under cold water. Cook the lentils in a pot with plenty of water until they are tender, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess water and set aside.
Step 2
In a skillet, add 80 grams of tofu cut into cubes. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of paprika and a pinch of salt. Sauté the tofu over medium heat for about 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3
Take a head of broccoli and cut it into florets. In a separate pot, boil water and add the broccoli. Blanch for about 7 minutes until bright green and tender. Afterward, drain the hot water and let it cool.
Step 4
While the broccoli cools, chop your assorted vegetables including carrots, celery, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and any other favorites. Aim for a colorful array to enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Step 5
In a blender, combine 30 grams of soaked cashews, 2 sprigs of basil, 20 milliliters of coconut milk, 50 milliliters of water, 1 clove of garlic, and 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more water if necessary, and season with salt to taste.
Step 6
In a serving bowl, layer the cooked lentils, sautéed tofu, blanched broccoli, chopped vegetables, 2 tablespoons of seeds, and a generous handful of dill. Drizzle with your prepared sauce and mix well.
Step 7
Serve your balanced vegan bowl immediately, and enjoy the mix of flavors and textures. Remember, for a touch of sweetness, choose whole fruits or berries as a dessert after the meal. Enjoy your healthy eating journey!
Servings
Sharing this meal with friends? Why not make it a fun potluck! Invite friends over to enjoy each other's versions of their favorite plant-based dishes. Everyone can create their own twist, combining flavors, textures, and bold colors to make a beautiful spread. Your balanced plate can be the star of the table! 🎉
Don't forget to include some fresh fruit or homemade vegan dessert to finish off your meal on a sweet note 🍓!
Equipment
For boiling lentils and blanching vegetables, ensure it has enough capacity to hold all your ingredients comfortably.
![Winco Aluminum Sheet Pan/Bun Rack, 3" Spacing, Side Loading, 20 Tier Winco Aluminum Sheet Pan/Bun Rack, 3" Spacing, Side Loading, 20 Tier](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B07R8ZQKJ7.jpg)
![KEGOUU Oven Mitts and Pot Holders 6pcs Set, Kitchen Oven Glove High Heat Resistant 500 Degree Extra Long Oven Mitts and Potholder with Non-Slip Silicone Surface for Cooking(Marine Blue) KEGOUU Oven Mitts and Pot Holders 6pcs Set, Kitchen Oven Glove High Heat Resistant 500 Degree Extra Long Oven Mitts and Potholder with Non-Slip Silicone Surface for Cooking(Marine Blue)](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B09SYX82XY.jpg)
![HIWARE 7 Inch Non-stick Springform Pan/Cheesecake Pan/Leakproof Cake Pan with 50 Pcs Parchment Paper - Accessories for Instant Pot 6, 8 Qt Pressure Cooker HIWARE 7 Inch Non-stick Springform Pan/Cheesecake Pan/Leakproof Cake Pan with 50 Pcs Parchment Paper - Accessories for Instant Pot 6, 8 Qt Pressure Cooker](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B01KHHFCKS.jpg)
This is ideal for cooking tofu without it sticking. A good non-stick plan can make this process a lot smoother!
A blender is key for creating a creamy sauce from cashews and herbs. Make sure it’s strong enough to blend smooth textures.
![Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B00939FV8K.jpg)
![Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, Portable Blender for-Smoothies, Shakes, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 700-Watt Base, (2) 16-oz. Cups and Spout Lids, Black QB3001SS Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, Portable Blender for-Smoothies, Shakes, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 700-Watt Base, (2) 16-oz. Cups and Spout Lids, Black QB3001SS](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B01FHOWYA2.jpg)
![Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B012T634SM.jpg)
Sharp knives will help you chop veggies quickly and efficiently! A sturdy chopping board is essential for safe slicing.
![Smart Cutting Board & Knife Set,Self Cleaning Cutting Board Set with 4 Stainless Steel Knives,3 Color Coded Cutting Boards,10 Pairs of Chopsticks and 1 Pair of Scissors (colourful) Smart Cutting Board & Knife Set,Self Cleaning Cutting Board Set with 4 Stainless Steel Knives,3 Color Coded Cutting Boards,10 Pairs of Chopsticks and 1 Pair of Scissors (colourful)](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B0CGV23LFF.jpg)
![Thirteen Chefs Cutting Boards for Kitchen - 30 x 18 x 0.5" White Color Coded Plastic Cutting Board with Non Slip Surface - Dishwasher Safe Chopping Board Thirteen Chefs Cutting Boards for Kitchen - 30 x 18 x 0.5" White Color Coded Plastic Cutting Board with Non Slip Surface - Dishwasher Safe Chopping Board](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B01LZZRBOJ.jpg)
![Smart Cutting Board and Knife Set - Self Cleaning Cutting Board Set with 4 Color Coded Cutting Boards, 4 Stainless Steel Knives, 2-Step Sharpener - Drying Holder Organizer for Kitchen Smart Cutting Board and Knife Set - Self Cleaning Cutting Board Set with 4 Color Coded Cutting Boards, 4 Stainless Steel Knives, 2-Step Sharpener - Drying Holder Organizer for Kitchen](https://1mincake.azureedge.net/affiliate/B0CTMWLFGM.jpg)
Variations
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply ensure that the grains used, like quinoa or amaranth, are certified gluten-free. 🥗
For those seeking more protein, consider adding some chickpeas or black beans instead of lentils or mix and match different beans for a variety of flavors! 🌰
If you're feeling adventurous, try using different nuts in the sauce, like almonds or macadamia nuts, to create a diverse taste profile. Just remember to check the allergy policies for your guests if you're serving others!
Faq
- What if I can't find tofu?
You can easily substitute tofu with tempeh, or even a mix of roasted chickpeas or another protein, like seitan if you’re not strictly vegan.
- How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are convenient and just as nutritious. Just be sure to thaw them properly before incorporating them into the dish.
- How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, blend in an additional 10-15 grams of cashews or include a small amount of starch, like cornstarch, mixed with water before blending.
- Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes! You can cook the lentils and prep the vegetables a day ahead. Just store them separately until you're ready to assemble.
- What spices can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to experiment with spices! Cumin, smoked paprika, or even a dash of chili powder can enhance the flavor beautifully.