In my kitchen, there’s a sense of adventure every time I whip up a black bean nourish bowl with creamy ginger sriracha dressing. This dish not only comes together quickly, but it also heightens the flavors of nutritious ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner or meal prep for the week. It’s not just for the health-conscious, either; anyone who enjoys bold flavors and delightful textures will appreciate this nourishing bowl.
Each bite combines the hearty richness of black beans, the freshness of spinach, and the kick from the sriracha dressing. The creamy tahini in the dressing rounds everything out beautifully, creating a meal that’s not only nourishing but incredibly delicious. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this dish is for you!
"This bowl is packed with flavor, and it’s so easy to make!"
Why you’ll love this
- Speedy preparation makes it a weeknight favorite.
- Full of vibrant flavors that satisfy cravings.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Excellent for meal prep and leftovers.
Step-by-step overview
To create this nourishing bowl, start by cooking shallots and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add black beans and spinach next, allowing the greens to wilt and mingle with the beans. Meanwhile, whisk together the creamy dressing ingredients until smooth, adjusting the consistency to your liking. Finally, assemble your bowl by layering beans, rice, and a colorful array of vegetables, topped with the zesty dressing and fresh herbs.
What you’ll need
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated (or less depending on preference)
- 2 – 15 oz cans black beans, rinse really well
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 tsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Pinch of white pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tbsp tahini
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2-3 tsp sriracha
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of white pepper
- Juice of half a lime
- 2-3 tbsp water
- Rice of choice
- Vegetables of choice: Cucumber, broccoli, sliced carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, avocado, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Tahini: Can be replaced with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard are good alternatives for a heartier green.
- Black beans: Pinto beans or chickpeas can be substituted easily.
- Sriracha: Adjust the heat level to your liking; use sweet chili sauce for a milder version.
Cooking method
Getting started with your black bean nourish bowl is straightforward.
- In a pan, warm up your olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed black beans and cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through. Fold in the spinach and soy sauce, letting the spinach wilt.
- For the dressing, whisk together the tahini, ginger powder, onion powder, garlic powder, sriracha, maple syrup, lime juice, white pepper, salt, and enough water to reach your desired consistency.
- To assemble, add a generous serving of the black bean mixture to a bowl, a scoop of rice, and your chosen vegetables. Drizzle the creamy ginger sriracha dressing over the top, and sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for garnish.
Pro Tip: Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce excess sodium and enhance flavor.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure to sauté the shallots until they are translucent for maximum flavor.
- Tailor the sweetness of the dressing by adjusting the maple syrup to your preference.
- Letting the spinach cook down properly will enhance its flavor as it melds with the beans.
- For a heartier meal, consider using brown rice or quinoa as a base.
Serving suggestions
Enjoy your black bean nourish bowl warm, with the option of garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions. Pair it with a side of sliced avocado for creaminess or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. Feel free to serve extra dressing on the side for those who love a little extra sauce!
Storage & reheating tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The black bean and veggie mixture can typically last 3-4 days when refrigerated. Reheat until steaming hot before serving. If frozen, it’s best to consume within 1-2 months and reheat thoroughly.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
If you find the beans too dry, simply add a splash of water or vegetable broth while reheating to rehydrate. Should the dish taste bland, a bit of extra soy sauce or seasoning can enhance the flavors. If overcooked, the spinach can become mushy; always watch the wilt time closely to ensure it retains its texture.
Recipe variations
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand! Grilled zucchini or roasted sweet potatoes can add a sweet earthiness to the bowl. Additionally, swapping the black beans for lentils or chickpeas can introduce new flavors while keeping it nutritious. For added protein, include pieces of grilled chicken or tofu as a topping.
Common questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the black bean mixture and the dressing a day in advance. Store them separately and combine when ready to serve for the freshest taste.
What if I don’t have tahini?
No problem! You can substitute tahini with peanut butter, sunbutter, or even Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this bowl spicier?
If you enjoy heat, add more sriracha to the dressing or toss in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the bean mixture.
What are good sides to serve with this bowl?
A light salad or more steamed vegetables works well as a side. You could also enjoy it with a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Is it necessary to use fresh spinach?
Fresh spinach works best for this recipe as it wilts nicely and retains some texture. However, frozen spinach can also be used; just ensure it’s well-drained before adding it to the dish.
Black Bean Nourish Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- In a pan, warm up your olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced shallots and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed black beans and cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Fold in the spinach and soy sauce, letting the spinach wilt.
- Whisk together the tahini, ginger powder, onion powder, garlic powder, sriracha, maple syrup, lime juice, white pepper, salt, and enough water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add a generous serving of the black bean mixture to a bowl.
- Scoop rice and your chosen vegetables.
- Drizzle the creamy ginger sriracha dressing over the top.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for garnish.