There’s nothing quite like the beginning of a new year to encourage
us all to start eating good, clean, healthy, whole foods again. Around my house, we love eating this well-known local dish called the
“Yumm! Bowl,” created by the franchise Café Yumm. They sell the sauce by the jar in their restaurants, as well as in our local markets. It's become quite the signature dish of Eugene and is a popular party food for family gatherings. Our family just can't seem to get enough of it and it’s definitely a great way to start the new year off right. Below is an easy
do-it-yourself version of the trademark bowl, including how to make your own sauce, but be forewarned, this can be highly addicting
due to the unique, tangy, flavor of the Yummy sauce.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Bowls:
Brown, White, or Jasmine rice (Cooked)
Black
beans (Cooked)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Salsa
Diced
fresh tomatoes
Sliced avocado
Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt)
Sliced
black olives
Fresh
cilantro sprigs
For the Sauce:
1 cup water
1 cup
lemon juice
1 cup
olive oil
1 cup
almond meal or finely chopped almonds
2/3 cup
nutritional yeast flakes
1 16 oz.
can garbanzo beans
4 garlic
cloves, minced or pressed
1
teaspoon salt
3
teaspoons yellow curry powder
2
teaspoons dried oregano
2
teaspoons dried cilantro
Sauce Directions: In a blender process the
almonds, nutritional yeast, garbanzo beans, garlic, salt, curry, oregano, and
cilantro until fully ground. Add lemon juice, water, and oil. Scrape down the
walls of the blender and continue to process until the sauce is smooth and
creamy.
To
Assemble the Bowls: Place all ingredients on the counter buffet-style and let everyone assemble their own bowl. First, place a scoop of rice in the bottom of your bowl, then layer with a scoop of beans on top of the rice. Drizzle the rice and beans with about 1-2 tablespoons of
sauce. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then add a dollop of sour cream and salsa in the middle of the bowl. Top with a spoonful of diced tomato,
3-4 slices of avocado, and a spoonful of olives. Garnish with fresh
sprigs of cilantro and…YUMM!
