Bowl of Enlightenment

May 26th is an important day for Buddhists and some Hindus. It is a sacred day held on the fourth month of the Indian lunar year when Buddhists the world over celebrate Vesak, a commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

During this time, monks and nuns meditate and chant, laypeople bring flowers and offerings to the temple, temples and streets are decorated with lanterns, many do good deeds, and partake in a vegetarian meal with family, friends, and neighbors.

Although not traditional, Vesak inspired me to create Buddha’s Birthday Bowl full of colorful fruits and vegetables like the lotus root which is a symbol of purity in Buddhism, beets, rainbow radishes, blueberries, orange cauliflower, edamame, carrots, cucumbers, yellow tomatoes, and micro greens all over a bed of red lettuce leaves. I also made a subtle sweet and salty honey miso ginger dressing on the side.

The origin of the Buddha Bowl is unknown but supposedly symbolizes the satisfaction and fullness of Buddha’s belly.

With Buddha’s Birthday Bowl filled to the brim, no doubt you’ll feel satiated and full. Maybe you’ll even gain...enlightenment.

INGREDIENTS

Lotus root steamed and sliced

Red beets roasted and diced

Rainbow radishes circular slices

Red radishes circular slices

Blueberries

Orange cauliflower (1 floret)

Edamame

Carrots circular slices

Cucumber circular slices

Yellow cherry tomatoes sliced in half

Micro greens

Red lettuce leaves

1. Line and arrange lettuce leaves in a floral pattern covering entire bottom bowl.

2. Arrange the rest of the vegetables and according to your design.

3. Pour honey miso ginger salad dressing and toss until dressing is evenly distributed.

INGREDIENTS

For honey miso ginger dressing:

Neutral oil - Canola, peanut, or vegetable (3 tbs)

Rice vinegar (1.5 tbs)

White miso (2 tsp)

Sesame oil (1/4 tsp)

Honey (1/2 tsp)

Soy sauce (1/2 tsp)

Fresh ginger grated (1/2 tsp)

1. Combine ingredients and whisk until smooth.

2. Adjust according to taste (ie add more vinegar, honey, soy sauce, ginger etc.)

3. Pour over Buddha bowl and toss until dressing is evenly distributed.