I am trying really hard to eat healthier meals, but to be perfectly honest, it is a struggle. With all the commotion happening right now, generally I am craving sweets and processed foods. I do still really love foods like this Greek Meatball Buddha Bowl. They are great to make batch ingredients and throw it together throughout the week. I made these meatballs with ground turkey, but you can use beef or pork if you prefer. I wanted the lean turkey as it is lower in calories. I feel like these meatballs have enough flavor, you will never notice they are leaner!
This bowl is so great as it has all the good stuff. I start with a base of farro, the layer with the meatballs, cucumbers, tomatoes, tsatsiki and red onions. I love olives as well, but didn’t have any when I made these.
Start by mixing all ingredients together in the bowl. I know it feels pretty gross, but honestly it is the easiest way to mix it.
Now, scoop on to your prepared baking sheet. I love this OXO medium cookie scoop, it is the perfect size for these meatballs.
Now, you hands will be gross. If you want perfectly round meatballs, wash your hands and leave them wet before rolling. I didn’t do this, as I wasn’t looking for perfection in these. Not a big deal, they just stuck to my hands a bit.
While they are baking , start on your tsatsiki.
I always use a nonfat Greek yogurt in mine. It is low in calories and high in protein. I am not brand particular either, generally I grab whatever is on sale.
You really can throw anything you want into these, or make them just like I did. Let me tell you, we love them!
This bowl is delicious and amazing. It is fresh and filling.
They are also the perfect meal prep meals as well. You can make all your ingredients ahead of time and just throw it together when you are ready.
Now, in my meatballs I added a cup of chopped spinach and 2 tablespoons fresh oregano as well. I had them in garden that came up this year.
If you are looking for other Buddha Bowl ideas, I have more inspiration on the blog.
Cooked farro
Ingredients
- 3 cups vegetable stock You can also use water if you prefer. I like the flavor stock gives it though. If you would rather use a chicken, fish or beef stock, those are great too.
- 1 cup pearled farro
- 1 teaspoon salt this is a variable. You can add more or less, depending on preference.
Instructions
- Bring stock to a boil over medium heat. Add salt and farro. Cover and simmer on low for 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, fluff with fork.Serve as desired!Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a week to a week and half. I like to reheat with a little liquid. So, if you are microwaving, place chilled farro in a microwaveable bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover and microwave on high for for about a minute. If you don't like using microwaves or prefer the cooktop, you can use the same method there. Place farro in pan, add water, cover and simmer until heated. Now, sit back and enjoy. Look at how healthy you are!!
Greek Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely ground old fashioned oats
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.Grind oats in food processor. Mix all ingredients in another medium sized bowl until well combined. Form into small balls, and place on parchment lined baking dish.Bake for about 7-10 minutes. These are delicious served with pitas or even served in a Buddha bowl!
Simple Tsatsiki
Ingredients
- 1 cup nonfat plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoons olive oil This is optional. I like the flavor of it, but it certainly doesn't have to be added.
- 2/3 cup grated cucumbers, squeezed the remove all liquid If you don't squeeze the liquid out, you will end up with a very runny tsatsiki, which is not very good. You can see how I do this in the video.
- fresh lemon juice I am not putting amounts on here, as I think everyone has their own personal preferences with this.
- salt and pepper to taste. Again, this will be a personal choice.
Instructions
- Add yogurt, garlic, olive oil and cucumbers to bowl. Next is the variable part of the recipe. A good place to start with the lemon juice, salt and pepper is 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Go from there and adjust as you like it. I have eaten tsatsiki so many different ways, there must be a lot of different preferences out there!This is so good served as an appetizer with warmed pita bread, with a grain bowl as shown in the photo, or even with grilled chicken, beef or shrimp.Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!