These vegetable bowls bring a lot of variation to this quick, simple and versatile Thai peanut sauce. Whether you prefer noodles or rice with your favorite veggies, these bowls are loaded with protein and flavor — perfect for a speedy meal. You are limited only by your imagination to create other delicious combinations. Because the sauce freezes well, you can make a larger batch to use for future lunches. 

PREP INSTRUCTIONS
Difficulty Level: Easy
Yield: Bowl: 1 (2 cups) serving; peanut sauce: 4 (1/3 cup) servings  
Prep Time: 5–8 minutes 
Cooking Time: 5 minutes  
Total Time: 10–13 minutes  

RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Peanut Sauce  
1 teaspoon cornstarch 
1/2 cup water 
1/2 cup coconut milk 
1/4 cup no-salt nut butter (peanut or almond) *Use precautions for allergies
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 
2–3 teaspoons lemon juice 
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, packed into measure 
1/2 teaspoon sweetener, optional 
1/4 teaspoon garlic granules 
Red pepper flakes or chili paste, optional 

INSTRUCTIONS
Dissolve cornstarch in water. 

Combine all ingredients in saucepan or kettle. Cook and stir until thickened. The density of the coconut milk will vary, so if your sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water. 

Bowl Variations 

1. Spinach-Tofu Bowl with Peanut Sauce: 

In a large bowl, layer 2/3 cup cooked brown rice, 1/2 cup cubed firm tofu, and 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, topped with 1/3 cup warm peanut sauce. (Tofu cubes can be eaten plain, “fried” in a nonstick pan with a little soy sauce or baked to absorb extra moisture and firm up.)

2. Broccoli-Noodle Bowl with Peanut Sauce: 

Mix 3/4 cup whole-grain angel-hair pasta, spaghetti or noodles with 1 cup steamed broccoli and 1/3 cup sauce. 

3. Kale-Rice Bowl with Peanut Sauce: 

Combine 1/2 cup cooked brown rice, 2/3 cup kale-cabbage mix, chopped red onion (to taste), and 1/3 cup warmed sauce. Other variations include freshly grated cabbage and carrots with sliced spinach or a chopped kale salad mix on a bed of rice. 

Nutritional Data (peanut sauce):  calories 110.70, fat 8.80g, sat fat 2.16g, cholesterol 0mg, sodium 296.06mg, carbohydrates 5.29g, fiber 0.85g, sugars 1.78g, protein 4.11g 

Nutritional Data (Spinach-Tofu Bowl with Peanut Sauce): calories 419.84, fat 17.05g, saturated fat 3.81g, cholesterol 0mg, sodium 362.36mg, carbohydrates 43.16g, fiber 8.06g, sugars 1.78g, protein 23.48g 

Nutritional Data (Broccoli-Noodle Bowl with Peanut Sauce): calories 369.30, fat 10.85g, saturated fat 2.56g, cholesterol 0mg,  sodium 383.32mg, carbohydrates 57.85g, fiber 12.23g, sugars 3.95g, protein 15.19g  

Nutritional Data (Kale-Rice Bowl with Peanut Sauce): calories 241.78, fat 9.60g, saturated fat 2.32g, cholesterol 0mg, sodium 316.33mg, carbohydrates 33.16g, fiber 3.68g, sugars 2.09g, protein 7.88 

Created by Heather Leno, Copyright © AdventHealth Press