Weeknight Meal: This Killer Grain Bowl with Cashew Pesto
Grain bowls are a quick and easy dinner when you're looking for something hearty and delicious. They're great for jump starting a healthy eating regimen and a crowdpleaser all around since everyone has control over what goes into their bowl. I made this grain bowl a few nights ago and not only was it incredibly simple, it was an awesome weeknight meal. The cashew pesto is yummy and gives the dish a creaminess with no guilt and it works great with the cremini mushrooms and kale. Overall, I would say this dish is a 10/10 and will without a doubt impress picky eaters (and reluctant boyfriends!).
INGREDIENTS
For the parsley cashew pesto:
½ cup raw cashews
¼ cup water
2 cups Italian parsley (or basil)
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
pepper to taste
To assemble:
½ cup uncooked Israeli couscous
1 pint cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bunch of Lacinto kale, stems removed
INSTRUCTIONS
Cover the cashews with ½-inch of water and let sit for 1 hour or up to overnight.
Drain and rinse the cashews and add to a food processor along with the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides once or twice. Taste and add more lemon juice or salt and pepper as desired.
Bring ¾ cup of water in a small saucepan to a boil. Add the couscous, stir to combine and remove from the heat. Let it sit for 7 to 10 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until all the water has evaporated and they begin to brown. Set the mushrooms aside and return the skillet to the heat. Cut the kale into 1-inch pieces, and add to the pan along with a few tablespoons of water. Season with salt and pepper, cover the skillet and let steam for 3-4 minutes until the kale is wilted and a bright green color.
To serve plate ½ cup of couscous, a quarter of the mushrooms and kale and top with a tablespoon of the pesto.
Recipe from Scaling Back