Pesto Marinara Vegan Nourish Bowl

This Vegan Nourish Bowl is the perfect dinner meal which then becomes a great meal prepped lunch the next day! It’s easy to make, takes under 30 minutes and it’s packed with flavor all while being healthy and good for you!

I love simple meals. The simplest meals with humble ingredients often turn out to be best. This bowl is an example. Turn a few pantry ingredients and veggies into this bowl of goodness. We got a prolific last yield for the season of sweet colorful peppers from our garden and along with spinach this vegan nourish bowl came to be.

What you need to make Pesto Marinara Vegan Nourish Bowl

1 orange, 1 red, 1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups baby spinach
5 cloves garlic, sliced
2 chillies, minced
2 tbsp plant-based butter (or olive oil)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup basil pesto
1 tsp sea salt
3 tbsp vegan parmesan (optional, but highly recommend!)

How to make Pesto Marinara Vegan Nourish Bowl

Melt butter or add oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chilies. Sauté for a minute until the garlic turns golden. Next add in chopped bell peppers. Cook for for 2-3 minutes and then toss in spinach and salt. Mix, continue cooking for another 5 minutes until spinach cooks down and the veggies are cooked. Add both marinara and pesto sauces. Simmer for 6-8 minutes, adding water to perfect the sauce consistency. Top with parmesan and it’s done.

To go with the vegetable saute, let’s make some wild rice.

Wild Rice

While there’s always a special place in my heart and my plate for basmati, and long grain white rices, I’m always on the lookout for heartier and nourishment filled alternatives to them. Heartier rice alternatives offer an entirely different flavor; more nutty, aromatic and nutritious. Wild Rice has become a permanent fixture in our pantry and our meals.

This rice is rather nutrient dense – meaning for fewer calories as compared to other rices – they’re pack in the nutrition – like protein, fiber, iron and more minerals. They are also a complete protein source – containing all essential amino acids. These tiny grains pack a solid nourishment punch.

Also fun fact- wild rice really isn’t rice at all. They’re seeds from a particular kind of grass that look like rice plants! They’re only called rice because they’re cooked similarly and kinda look like it. The best part is they gloriously satisfy that comfort food carb craving while seamlessly adding all the good stuff to your meals.

What you need:

2 cups wild rice*
4 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil)
1 tsp sea salt

Note*
I’ve used organic wild black rice. This recipe is not for quick cook wild rices, or wild rice blends that have brown rice and other grains mixed in. Cooking times will vary for those.

How to make the perfect wild rice:

Add wild rice and water to the Instant Pot along with oil and salt. The addition of a little oil keeps the rice kernels fluffy and avoid clumping. The salt is optional, but it seasons the rice well which this variety of a hearty rice needs. Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes (30 minutes for more firm texture, 35 for more tender similar to white rice)

Once cooking is complete, allow to naturally release for 20 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove lid and give it a gentle stir. And it’s done.

If you like this recipe, please rate it. And leave a review in the comments when you try it.

Also check out these other recipe ideas:

Vegan Nourish Bowl with Crispy Tofu & Spicy Potato

Crispy Garlic and Herb Tofu Nourish Bowl

Easy Vegan Bowl w/ Herbed Cauliflower Gnocchi

Incredible Mediterranean Pilaf Bowl