Plant-Based Paradise: Unleashing the Flavors of Vegan Poke!

Once your beet poke is ready, you don't really need a fancy recipe to create an amazing poke bowl. Here are a few ideas to help you build a killer meal. THE BASE The traditional base of a poke bowl is sushi rice, which is lightly seasoned with rice vinegar. However, you can also opt for a bed of mixed greens or even quinoa for a healthier twist. THE POKE The star of the dish are the Chioggia beets – although any type of beets will work perfectly. The cooked beets are marinated in a soy-sesame dressing, plus some seaweed flakes, which adds depth of flavor. THE TOPPINGS Poke bowls are all about variety and texture. Here’s some topping ideas to choose from: Avocado: Creamy slices of ripe avocado add richness and a buttery texture to the bowl. Cucumbers: Thinly sliced cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch. Mango: Sweet and tangy mango chunks add a burst of tropical flavor. Edamame: Steamed or roasted edamame beans offer a pop of protein and a delightful bite. Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over the bowl add nuttiness and visual appeal. Scallions: Thinly sliced scallions contribute a mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness. Seaweed: Crispy seaweed strips or flakes lend a hint of umami and a touch of brininess. Pickled ginger: Thinly sliced pickled ginger provides a zingy and slightly sweet contrast to the other ingredients. Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes and a hint of spice and crunch. Microgreens: A handful of microgreens are a tasty way to add a ton of nutrients to your poke bowl. THE SAUCE The poke bowl is typically drizzled with a savory and tangy sauce. Traditional options include soy sauce, sesame oil, and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice. However, there are also variations with spicy mayo (Sriracha & mayonnaise), ponzu sauce, or even a creamy wasabi dressing, (wasabi & mayonnaise). ASSEMBLING To assemble a poke bowl, start with a base of rice or salad, then arrange the marinated beets on top. Add your desired toppings, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs or additional sesame seeds if desired. Mix it all together just before eating to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.