Miso Tahini Sweet Potato Bowl: A Nourishing and Flavorful Plant-Based Meal
Looking for a nutrient-packed, comforting, and deeply flavorful plant-based meal? This Miso Tahini Sweet Potato Bowl is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, umami, and creamy textures, bringing together roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed broccolini, miso-tahini sauce, and hearty beans for a truly satisfying dish.
This bowl is gluten-free, protein-rich, and naturally vegan, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, feel-good meal. With just a few simple ingredients and a rich miso-tahini dressing, it transforms into an indulgent yet nourishing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Miso Tahini Sweet Potato Bowl
✔ Rich in Nutrients – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein.
✔ Deeply Satisfying – The creamy sweet potato puree and savory miso dressing make every bite indulgent.
✔ Full of Umami Flavor – Miso and tahini add a delicious depth.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, beans, or toppings.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients come together quickly.
What Makes Miso Tahini a Winning Combination?
Both miso and tahini bring an incredible depth of flavor to this dish:
- Miso: A fermented soybean paste that adds a rich, salty umami punch.
- Tahini: A creamy sesame paste with a nutty, slightly bitter taste that balances the miso beautifully.
When combined, they create a savory, creamy, slightly tangy sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes and beans.
Ingredients for Miso Tahini Sweet Potato Bowl
This bowl is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a nutrient-dense punch.
For the Sweet Potato Puree:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Sautéed Broccolini:
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
For the Spiced Beans:
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Miso Tahini Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped toasted almonds or sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges for extra zest
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until soft and caramelized.
- Once roasted, blend with plant-based milk, miso, tahini, and lemon juice until smooth.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccolini
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the broccolini and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, adding a splash of soy sauce.
- Remove from heat when tender-crisp.
Step 3: Prepare the Spiced Beans
- Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add the beans, followed by smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Make the Miso Tahini Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, miso paste, lemon juice, maple syrup, and soy sauce.
- Gradually add warm water until smooth and pourable.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
- Spread a generous layer of sweet potato puree at the base of the bowl.
- Add the sautéed broccolini and spiced beans on top.
- Drizzle generously with the miso tahini dressing.
- Garnish with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of brightness.
Tips for the Best Miso Tahini Sweet Potato Bowl
✔ Roast Sweet Potatoes Until Caramelized – This enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
✔ Use High-Quality Tahini – A smooth, runny tahini works best for the dressing.
✔ Balance the Dressing – Adjust miso for saltiness, maple syrup for sweetness, and lemon for tang.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Broccolini – It should be tender but still crisp.
✔ Customize to Your Taste – Swap beans for chickpeas or lentils for variety.
Delicious Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these creative twists:
1. Protein-Packed Version
- Add crispy tofu or tempeh for an extra protein boost.
2. Spicy Sweet Potato Bowl
- Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the dressing.
3. Grain-Based Version
- Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or farro instead of sweet potato puree.
4. Mediterranean-Style Bowl
- Replace broccolini with roasted eggplant and bell peppers.
- Add hummus and olives for a Mediterranean touch.
How to Store & Meal Prep
Refrigeration:
- Store all components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the sweet potato puree and beans before serving.
Freezing:
- Sweet potato puree freezes well for up to 3 months.
- The beans and dressing can be made fresh when needed.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat sweet potatoes and beans for 1-2 minutes.
- Stovetop: Warm the beans in a pan with a splash of oil.
What to Serve with Miso Tahini Sweet Potato Bowls
Pair this dish with:
- A side of warm pita bread or naan
- Miso soup for extra umami goodness
- A refreshing cucumber salad
- Pickled vegetables for tangy contrast
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this nut-free?
Yes! Just skip the almonds and use sunflower seeds or sesame seeds instead.
2. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or russet potatoes will work well.
3. Can I substitute the miso?
If you don’t have miso, try soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami depth.
4. Is this dish meal prep-friendly?
Yes! Store everything separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Miso Tahini Sweet Potato Bowl is a creamy, flavorful, and ultra-satisfying plant-based meal. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or a nutritious lunch, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
So grab your ingredients, whip up this nourishing and delicious bowl, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures!