This hormone-balancing Buddha bowl combines roasted sweet potatoes, spiced chickpeas, and vibrant greens, all brought together by a silky tahini-maple-lemon dressing. It’s rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidant-packed vegetables—perfect for satisfying your hunger and supporting hormonal health.
Yields:
2 Servings
Prep time:
15 mins
Total time:
40 mins
Why You’ll Love It
I created this bowl when I was craving something filling yet light—not too heavy, but nourishing enough to fuel the day. The roasted sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and gut-friendly fiber, while the chickpeas add plant-based protein and a touch of spice. Drizzled with a tangy-sweet tahini sauce, this bowl feels indulgent yet totally balanced. It works beautifully for lunch, dinner, or even as a meal-prep favorite.
Ingredients
Bowl Components
- Roasted Veggies:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Pinch of salt & pepper
- Chickpeas:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Pinch of salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Greens/Base:
- 2 big handfuls of kale, stems removed, roughly chopped (or substitute spinach or arugula)
- Tahini Sauce:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2–4 tbsp hot water, to thin
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 425 °F. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and lightly browned. - Cook the Chickpeas:
While potatoes roast, combine chickpeas with spices. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chickpeas, and cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until crisped and fragrant. - Prep the Greens:
Massage the chopped kale with a pinch of salt (optional) to soften slightly, or leave raw if you prefer more crunch or are using tender greens like spinach. - Whisk the Tahini Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk tahini, maple syrup, and lemon juice until smooth. Gradually whisk in hot water until the mixture reaches a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust—add a tiny pinch of salt if needed. - Assemble the Bowl:
Divide the kale between serving bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes and crispy chickpeas. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
Storage & Meal-Prep Tips
- Make-ahead: You can prepare all components ahead of time—store roasted sweet potatoes, spiced chickpeas, and the sauce separately. Assemble when ready to eat.
- Keeps well: In the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Store the dressing separately if you want to maintain crisp texture.
Substitutions & Variations
- Greens: Swap kale for spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.
- Grains: Add cooked quinoa, farro, or rice to make the bowl more hearty.
- Protein: Replace chickpeas with roasted tofu, tempeh, or black beans.
- Flavor twists: Stir turmeric into the tahini sauce for an anti-inflammatory boost, or add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for brightness.
Why It’s Hormone-Balancing
This bowl is packed with nutrients that support hormone regulation:
- Complex carbs & fiber from sweet potatoes and kale stabilize blood sugar.
- Plant-based protein helps with satiety and hormone synthesis.
- Healthy fats from tahini and olive oil aid hormone production.
- Antioxidant-rich spices (cumin, paprika) and vegetables support inflammation reduction.
Why This Buddha Bowl Is Great for Hormone Balance
This vibrant Buddha bowl is crafted to help stabilize blood sugar and support hormone health. Sweet potatoes provide slow-digesting, complex carbs rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A — a key nutrient for reproductive and thyroid function.
Learn more about the health benefits of sweet potatoes →
The crispy chickpeas bring plant-based protein and fiber, helping to improve satiety and balance insulin response. They’re also rich in phytoestrogens that may naturally support estrogen balance.
See research on chickpeas and women’s health – Harvard →
The tahini sauce adds creaminess along with healthy fats, calcium, and lignans from sesame seeds, which play a role in hormone metabolism and overall endocrine support.
Explore sesame seed nutrition research – NIH →
This recipe is also featured in our broader Hormone-Balancing Recipes → collection and aligns with an anti-inflammatory eating approach →, making it an excellent everyday choice for long-term wellness.
Curious how ingredients like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and tahini fit into hormone-supportive nutrition?
Read our full guide: Eating for Menstrual Health →
