What’s that? You need a versatile recipe to help you utilize changing produce availability and/or leftover ingredients? I’ve got you guys!

Packed with wholesome ingredients and a medley of fresh produce, this quinoa bowl calls for an abundance of seasonal ingredients. From earthy dandelion greens to sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy goat cheese, every bite is a celebration of local, nourishing goodness.

I was also inspired by one of my newest farmers market vendors when I stopped by their booth this week. Brown-Bitz Family Kitchen has an absolutely fantastic lineup of sauces - among other goodies. Of course I wanted to try multiple, and I told them about the recipe I was putting together. They suggested that I combine the Beet and Basil sauce with their classic Chickpea Ranch. Let me tell you it was a power combo.

Beyond sharing healthy recipes with you all, I strive to encourage local sourcing of your food when possible. Interactions like this are part of what great food and great community is all about. The next time you’re at a market, I hope you’ll strike up a conversation with the vendors behind the products you pick up; their knowledge, suggestions, and company are invaluable.

So without further delay, let's dive into this delightful dish that's as nutritious as it is satisfying!

When it comes to cooking and eating, incorporating seasonal ingredients from your local farmers market brings a myriad of benefits. Building your own quinoa bowl is a fantastic way to fit whatever the season may bring into your meals for the week. Below are a few reasons why embracing seasonal options is not only delicious but also a smart choice for your health and the environment:

Nutritional Value: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are known to be more nutritious than their out-of-season counterparts. The moment produce is picked, its nutritional content begins to decline. Choosing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients ensures that you're getting the maximum nutritional value from your food. Freshly harvested ingredients often contain higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are crucial for supporting your overall well-being.
Support for Local Farmers: By purchasing seasonal ingredients from your local farmers market, you directly support local farmers and their communities. This support plays a vital role in sustaining small-scale agriculture and preserving farmland. It also fosters a sense of connection between consumers and growers, encouraging a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Environmental Benefits: Opting for seasonal ingredients reduces the environmental impact associated with food production and transportation. Locally sourced produce typically travels shorter distances from farm to table, resulting in fewer carbon emissions. Additionally, seasonal eating reduces the need for extensive cold storage, artificial ripening methods, and the use of preservatives, promoting a more sustainable approach to food consumption.
Culinary Creativity: Seasonal ingredients can inspire culinary creativity and experimentation in the kitchen. As different ingredients come into season, you have the opportunity to explore new flavors, textures, and recipes. This culinary adventure keeps your meals exciting and diverse, encouraging you to try new dishes and expand your cooking repertoire.

Here’s a rundown of the lovely vendors you can source from to create this recipe!

Wood Duck is an 87-acre farm, located in Cleveland, Texas. They have a thriving CSA program and have been providing healthy produce to the community for years. Wood Duck is actually in the process of fighting a proposed landfill in San Jacinto County, visit this website to learn more about how you can help!
Plant it Forward works with independent, professional farmers with refugee backgrounds to grow and distribute fresh produce throughout the community. At our market locations, we work with farmer Materanya “Pierre” Ruchinagiza, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each market he brings delicious vegetables and good conversation. He’s an amazing asset to the markets and his farming knowledge is invaluable!
Animal Farm is a working, sustainable permaculture center located 65 miles west of Houston. They are dedicated to producing high-quality certified organic vegetables and flowers. They sell at our markets, but also have a wonderful CSA program!
Verde Greens located in Houston, Texas, uses a combination of hydroponic and no-till soil cultivation methods to produce healthy, nutritious, pesticide- and herbicide-free leafy greens, herbs, and mixed vegetables for the community.
Sweetwater Farms HTX is a family-owned, urban farm located in Houston, Texas. They are 7 minutes from the loop in the middle of a food desert. It sits on 6 acres of land and is primarily used to teach inner city youth about agriculture through its partnership with TWEF. We grow some of the freshest seasonal veggies! Farm visits are reservation are only!
Synergos is a thriving healthy farm community, synergistically growing food, allowing all things to grow naturally. Located in Santa Fe, Texas, Synergos focuses on regenerative practices that support healthy soil, plants, and animals.
1836 Olive Oil grows, harvests, mills, and bottles Texas-grown olives into exceptional olive oils. Owner Kerry Thornhill started the orchard in 2012 with a desire to pay homage to her maternal grandparents. She believes in the Texas olive industry, and in supporting local agriculture and women farmers everywhere.
Old Country Olive Oil is owned by native Houstonian, Rita Joubran. Having been raised around her family’s olive trees and their products in Lebanon, Rita realized that she wanted to share the high-quality oil with her Houston community. She also sells delicious spices such as sumac and a wonderful olive oil soap.
Brown-Bitz Family Kitchen is dedicated to the noble pursuit of flavor through plant-based sauces and food products. They believe that healthy, nutritious, chef-made foods are more electrifying and satisfying than their processed counterparts. They are a small family business located in Spring, Texas and proud to offer vegan, top 8 allergen-free sauces, hummus, and weekly rotating specials that are memorably delicious. At BBFK Foods, their products prove powerful flavor comes from natural ingredients - pleasing minds, bellies, and tastebuds alike.
Erbe Ranch is a family owned farm located in Cat Spring, Texas raising grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and pastured pork. The property has been in Farmer Brian’s family for over one hundred thirty five years. Not only do they bring their own amazing meats to market, but a variety of local goat cheeses as well!
Regen Ranch is a woman owned and run ranch in Oakwood, Texas. With the goal of providing clean food, Christine sells grass fed beef & lamb, pasture raised turkey, and farm fresh eggs. If there is one thing you can’t leave the market without it is her amazing bone broth!

Share the love! Don’t forget to share photos and tag the vendors who provided the ingredients! One of the best ways to support these local, small businesses is by spreading the word and sharing your market finds with friends and family. And of course, if you stop by the Rice Village or Heights Mercantile markets striking up conversations with the vendors will always have you walking away with wonderful recipe ideas.

Ingredients - indicates item purchased at the farmers market*

Makes 4 servings

1 cup quinoa

*2 cups bone broth

*3 small to medium sweet potatoes

*2 cups dandelion greens (can use any greens here, like arugula)

*1 summer squash such as zucchini

*1 bunch spring onions

*Cherry tomatoes

*Goat cheese (to garnish)

*1 cup hummus

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

If using the honey harissa recipe

*2 Tbsp honey

*1-2 Tbsp harissa paste

1 tsp cinnamon

*3 Tbsp olive oil

Optional - Beet dressing

Method

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Begin by rinsing the quinoa under water using a fine mesh strainer. Then, add the quinoa and bone broth to a pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Afterward, turn off the heat and let the quinoa sit, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss them in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Spread the sweet potato pieces evenly on a baking pan and place them in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, add the harissa and honey to the baking pan, and toss everything to combine the flavors.
While the quinoa and sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the remaining vegetables. Thinly slice the summer squash, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Slice the onions and let them macerate in lemon juice for 15 minutes.
Once the quinoa is done cooking, uncover it and fluff it with a fork. Add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of olive oil, then toss everything together to combine the flavors.
Scoop the cooked quinoa into bowls as the base of your dish. Top it with the roasted sweet potatoes, chopped vegetables, crumbled goat cheese, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing, such as beet dressing.
Finally, garnish with a dollop of hummus for an extra creamy touch. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dive in and enjoy the combination of the nutty quinoa, tender sweet potatoes, refreshing greens, and the burst of flavors from the cherry tomatoes and lemony onions!

We hope to see you at the 1st & 3rd Sunday at Rice Village Farmers Market or 2nd & 4th Sunday at Heights Mercantile Farmers Market. Both markets run from 9-1 pm, with Heights located at 714 Yale St. and Rice located at 2504 Amherst St. These markets operate rain or shine! We will have over 60 vendors, live music, and immaculate vibes.

Thank you for following along and supporting local!

xxCB