Bitchin’ California Bowl.
Please let me explain the title of this post.
I don’t mean to offend anyone in any way, but well, this bowl is all about the sauce. The sauce was inspired by the “bitchin’ sauce” that my cousin Abby has been telling me about for months. She buys it from the farmers market in San Diego, CA and she LOVES it. You can read all about it here.
Abby’s favorite is the cilantro chili flavor, so I decided to take that flavor and make my own Bitchin’ Sauce, which then turned into this pretty Bitchin’ California Bowl, which I am in love with!
I mean, it has all of my very favorite things, and it’s so pretty. Like just looking at it gives me a boost of energy, you know?? Trust me, I totally need an extra boost of energy these day!!
So anyway, please forgive the name if it offends you… and please just focus on the delicious layers of flavors within this bowl.
So, I’m going to break this bowl down piece by piece, OK? Cool.
***Layer #1: your Bitchin’ Sauce, duh. If you live in California and know about this sauce than you know this sauce is legit. You can also go buy the real stuff and skip the homemade version to make your life a little simpler, BUT let me say that my homemade version is simple as can be and you can also adjust the flavors and texture to whatever your heart desires. All you need is a blender some almond butter, lemon, spices and a heck of a lot of cilantro…super sorry to all you cilantro haters out there…you guys can make/buy the original Bitchin’ Sauce which has zero cilantro. 🙂
BONUS: the Bitchin’ Sauce doubles as a KILLER dip for chips, crackers and veggies of all kinds. Score!
***Layer #2: your grains, aka the must have of any “bowl” recipe. I went with cooked barley in true Cali style, but quinoa works great two!
***Layer #3: the protein. A lot of times I will keep my bowl recipes vegetarian, but for my Cali bowls I really wanted to do a pesto roasted chicken + pesto roasted chickpeas. If you are vegetarian, just omit the chicken and double the chickpeas…either way pesto anything is a delicious addition to these healthy bowls!
***Layer #4: the veggies + fruits… my favorite part!! Roasted beets, radishes, artichokes, cucumbers, watercress, blood oranges, jalapeno slices and avocado…so basically the most epic combo of Cali’s best fruits + veggies!
***Layer #5: the toppings/finishing touches. Toasted walnuts, toasted pumpkin seeds and um cotija cheese, YESS.
So do you now you see what I am talking about??? So many layers of goodness and all packed into one KILLER bowl, hehe, this makes me so happy!! 🙂
Also, bowl food? I’m curious, how do we feel about it? Clearly I am for it, but I want to know, are you guys still into it… or totally over it?!?
Oh and um, on a random note I totally forgot to tell you guys how Red did in the US Open last Friday. Sorry, I know a lot of you have been wondering, but I just got swamped…what’s new, right?
ANYWAY, Red kind of KILLED it. He got 5th, which yes is not first, but for his age the kid KILLED it. This now ranks him 8th in the World Snowboarding points list, so pretty dang awesome. If you would like to watch his run, click here. He’s actually supposed to head off to China to compete in the World Cup (TTR Olympics) but I think he has decided to stay back and film for a movie part he is doing. He went to China last year and well, let’s just say he was NOT really into it. Things are pretty different over there and he’s only 15, I think he just wants some time home chilling with the fam. I get that.
If only I could get Red to eat one of these killer Bitchin’ California Bowls, but let’s be honest, Red would never go near a bowl of food this colorful. Somehow I’ve got to figure out a way to ease him into these types of healthier dishes. Maybe just the Bitchin’ Sauce on top of a bowl of lettuce and carrots with cheese… something simple. For now though, I’m sure he would much more prefer something like these cookies!!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Bitchin' California Bowl.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: avocado, bbq chicken, beetroot
I mean, it has all of my very favorite things, and it's so pretty. Like just looking at it gives me a boost of energy, you know??
Ingredients
- 4 red or yellow beets quartered or halved
- 1 bunch radishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt + pepper to taste
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders (omit if vegan)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas rinsed
- 1/2 cup homemade pesto or store bought
- 2-3 cups cooked barley and or quinoa
- 8 ounces marinated artichokes drained
- 2 blood oranges grapefruits and or kiwi, sliced
- 1-2 avocados sliced
- 1-2 jalapenos sliced + seeded if desired
- 1/3 cup walnuts toasted
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds toasted
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbed
- fresh microgreens dill, parsley, cilantro + lemons, for serving
Cilantro Chili Bitchin Sauce
- 2/3 cup almond butter*
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or parmesan
- 3/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce or Bragg Liquid Aminos
- 1 clove garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- salt to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Peel the beets if desired (I prefer to leave the skin on my beets). Place the beets and radishes on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil, salt and pepper. On a separate baking sheet add the chicken and toss with 1/4 cup of the pesto. Place both pans in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, give the veggies a toss and add the chickpeas to the pan with chicken. Toss the remaining 1/4 cup pesto with the chickpeas until the chickpeas are well coated. Return both pans to the oven and continue roasting for another 10 minutes or until the veggies are lightly charred, the chicken cooked through and the chickpeas warmed. Cooking times for the chicken will vary depending on it's size.
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Allow the chicken to rest five minutes and slice.
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To assemble the bowls, divide the barley between bowls. Add the artichokes, chickpeas and toss together with the barley. Add the chicken, beets + radishes and then add the citrus, avocado + jalapenos. Sprinkle walnuts, pumpkin seeds and cotija cheese. Serve with the Bitchin Sauce (see below).
Cilantro Chili Bitchin Sauce
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Combine all ingredients in a high powdered blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth or creamy. If needed, add water to thin the sauce out. The sauce should be the consistency of hummus or just slightly thinner if desired. Taste and adjust the salt to your liking. The sauce can be stored for up to a week in the fridge.
Recipe Notes
*it's best to use almond butter with no ingredients other than almonds and salt. You can also make you own almond butter by grinding 2 cups almonds in a high powdered blender or food processor until creamy.
Bowls for us….ok ok, and then the cookies. I mean, obviously. 🙂
No offense at the name at all & none should be taken by anyone. A figure of speech I’ve heard for years, like… totally rad! As in this dish looks totally rad, or totally bitchin’ lol. Anyway i’m new to this bowl thing, just started & this is gonna be on my list of ones to make asap.
& Wow, on your brother. He is doing excellent, clearly alot of talent & at such a young age. Congrats to him!
…ah, picky eaters, yep, I’ve got three kids, & the older two are starting to try more things, so there is hope for him in the food dept.
Thank you so much, Karen! Hope you are having the best week! 🙂
Hey, I finally made this bowl & it’s really great! We made it into 4 lunches & it’s very filling. Never had anything like these bowls, this is number two I’ve made from you. we will make again.
& Congrats on your Blog award win, I voted for you a few times.
Hope Spring comes for you quick.
Cheers!
🙂
I’m still so into bowl foods!! This sounds amazing, pity that when I was in San Diego I never came across this sauce, feel like I really missed out! Good thing I can make it at home with your recipe now 🙂
Thank you! Hope you love the bowl!
What a beauty! I am so excited for this dish.. because I totally have all the ingredients in my fridge right now– roasted beets and chicken breast included, so I just need to reheat. So making this tonight, who needs cookies?! Oh, and I totally can envision answering to my husband tonight that we are having “Bitchin bowl” for dinner 🙂 Love it!
YEAH! Hope you love this, thanks! 🙂
WOW!!! Red has some more talent. Amazing!!! CONGRATULATIONS to him!!
Thank you so much, Charlotte! Hope you are having a great week!
I like the title, has a nice ring to it 😉 Plus, when you have a bowl looking that good, it deserves a great title! I could devour this goodness in seconds. Seriously, WOW!
Thanks Taylor!! I like the title too and thought the same! 🙂
Hope you are having a great week!
I could see why some might be offended by the title but I’m totally not. As for bowl food, OMG, it could never get old and this was looks insanely amazing! Oh, and that’s so awesome about Red! He’s incredible!
Thanks so much for you kind words, Tori! Hope you are having a great week!
Hi, T. I follow your blog and live your recipes and photography. One question – what’s up with almond butter? Many recipes (not just yours) include it, but at my local market and trader joes it’s $8 a jar! More even at whole foods. Is it the CA drought? Can I sub peanut butter? Thank you for all you do.
Thank you so much, Lori! I am thrilled you enjoy my recipes! 🙂
I used almond butter for a more neutral taste and because I love it. You can use peanut butter for sure, but it will change the flavor a bit. That said, I am sure peanut butter will be so delicious! Also, I have no idea why almond butter is so much money, but the draught is a good guess. Thanks again and let me know if you have any other questions.
I love the combination of the citrus, veggies, and cilantro. Sounds so refreshing!
Thanks Andrea!
Whoaaaa so much going on here!! That sauce sounds amazing!
Thanks Katrina! Hope you are having a great week! 🙂
I live in California….. that’s definitely a bitchen bowl of goodness right there!! I can’t wait to try that sauce!!! Looks and sounds amazing!
Thank you so much, Deborah! Hope you are having a great week!
Ha! Love the title. My husband and I are getting ready to move to Cali and I will definitely be on the lookout for that sauce. YUM!
Thanks Chelsea! How exciting you guys are moving to CA. I have to say I am a little jealous!
Oh so into it! Will never be over a bitchin’ bowl! Making this one asap! (With store-bought sauce. I am one of the aforementioned cilantro haters!) Thanks for another brilliant recipe!!!
Thank you!
Ps—I live in San Diego and just found a farmer’s market where I can get some sauce (and a bowl to go with it) TODAY! As you like to say, yesssss!!!
YESSSS!! 🙂
Thanks Nikki!
Haha well I must say, I live in SD and follow your blog religiously and I Love the title of this bowl! However, as a true California I must ask, would you ever try chicken with an asada sauce? If you’ve visited SD we call it pollo asada and it’s a more Hispanic flavoring but it’s delicious!!
Umm, what is asada sauce?! Looking that up now! 🙂
Thanks so much, Jessica! Hope you are having a great week!
That cilantro chili sauce does sound bitchin’! Cannot wait to top pretty much everything with it 🙂
Thanks Ellie! Hope you are having a great week!
I am a bowl food FANATIC. If food isn’t in a bowl, then I’d probably not eat it–no, I’m kidding, but still, I love it! You can make bowl food look super pretty as well. I think the presentation of food in a bowl is strangely magnificent.
Go bowl food! 🙂
Thanks Cassie!
Totally not over bowls, I don’t think I’ll ever be! Specially yours they’re so pretty and the Bitchin’ sauce I have to try!
And congrats to Red I saw the video and he did amazing!
Oh and can I ask where did you get that blue bowl? thanks 🙂
I got it from a Local Pottery shop located in Frisco, CO. Thanks so much! 🙂
Thank you so much!! Too funny you watched him! 🙂
Hah for some reason I misread (omit if vegan) to (vomit if vegan) haha ahh it’s to early. This looks awesome Teigan! Can’t wait to make it. Loving the healthy recipes. You’re making it easy to stick to a better lifestyle
haha! Hope this does not make you vomit! yikes! Thank you so much, Sydney!
Looks so YUMMY! What a wonderful combination!
Thank you so much, Jena!
This bowl looks amazing! I live in San Diego and see the Bitchin’ Sauce at the farmers market all the time. Your homemade version sounds great!
Thank you so much, Joy! Hope you are having a great week!
This is on top of my cooking list!! It Looks sooooo good!
-x,
Ella
Thank you so much, Ella! Hope you are having a great week!
I don’t know if I’ll ever be over bowl food! I love bowls like this with all sorts of different delicious components. The sauce alone sounds pretty amazing!
yeahh!! Thank you so much, Heather!
I love how colourful and pretty this bowl is! and that sauceeeee, yum!
Thank you so much, Maya!!
Your recipes are insane! (-ley good). I follow approximately 50 food blogs and also have my own, http://www.wellnessrepublic.net/ . I am a MAJOR foodie and live to cook and eat and take restaurant-destination overseas trips so my standards are paramount. Your recipes consistently deliver on creativity and (mostly) nutritional balance. I have been so deeply inspired by your site, thank you!
hehe!! Thank you so much, Nikki! Hope you are having a great week! It makes me so happy to inspire you. Please let me know if you ever have any questions. 🙂
This looks yummy!! I am going to try making it for dinner on Saturday night, but with prawns. Question – what could you use instead of radishes and beets? They aren’t my most favourite! Thanks Tieghan for another stellar recipe! xx
HI Whytney! You can really use whatever your favorite veggies are. I think broccoli, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, brussels sprouts and zucchini would all be awesome! Let me know if you have questions. Thanks! 🙂
I’m totally running to Whole Foods today to try out this Bitchin Sauce!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Thank you! I hope you love it! 🙂
I will admit it, when I first opened my email I was like, wait…is this from tieghan?? Then quickly got distracted by the bowley deliciousness. lol I eat everythhhhing out of bowls, never over it. I am absolutely making this but how do you think sunbutter would be instead of almond?
hip, hip for bowl food! Thanks so much, Jordan! 🙂
I sunbutter will be amazing!! 🙂
So gorgeous and colorful, I’m in love with all these flavors!
Thanks Laura!!
I made this sauce last night and slathered it over a whole plate of roasted veggies (carrots, baby turnip, sweet potato, red onion, broccoli). It’s amazing! And such a simple recipe. Thank you so much for sharing, this will become a regular.
Avocados & blood oranges are around in full force at our farmers market now – I love that combo. Throw in the rest of the ingredients & that bitchin’ sauce & that equals major yum!
Thank you so much! I hope you are having a great week!!
It looks fantastic Tieghan but how often do you have to shop??????. Anyway I am going to make it this evening. Where did you purchase that glorious bowl from cause for one bowl meals I find you need a very pretty bowl and that one ticks all the boxes.
Thank you again for sharing everything on line.
Thank you so much, Janet!! I bought the bowl at a local shop in Frisco, CO. And I go to the grocery a lot…like every day. 🙁
Healthy but filling. My favorite recipes!
Kisses from http://poshnessary.com ❤
Love love love this bitchin’ sauce and combo of ingredients. I added extra lemon juice instead of water to thin, and it was perfect. This recipe made enough for my 4 packed lunches this week! And honestly, so many people at work have asked what I’m eating (when I bring a HBH concoction) that you probably have a dozen new followers from me singing your praises. 🙂
I pack in bowls like these to take on the run- microwavable and plenty of space (posting since people always ask):
http://www.amazon.com/Signature-Housewares-Translucent-Microwavable-Multicolor/dp/B00TO2YH7W/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1457902170&sr=1-3&keywords=microwavable+ceramic+bowls+with+lid
YEAHHH! This is so awesome! Thank you!
My eyes sent a signal to my tummy and I instantly started craving what you’ve made here. Ran out to my HEB (TEXAS) grabbed the needed ingredients and am making it as I type. Tested out the sauce by dipping red bell peppers in it … and it’s rather delicious. I explained it to my veggie-loving husband that it’s sort of like a very nutty pesto.
I came across Bitchin’ Sauce at a farmer’s market on a trip to San Diego this past weekend, and since I recalled this post I knew I had to give it a try! Ended up taking the chipotle flavor home, but I wish I’d bought more–I’m powering through it so quickly! Luckily I think one of my local grocery stores sells it, and you’ve made it so easy to make the cilantro chili flavor. Thanks for putting the sauce on my radar, Tieghan!
Ah!! So awesome!! I’m so happy you like it! Thanks for commenting!
i put the leftover sauce on avocado ezekiel bread toast! with some pomegranates! delish!
YUM!! Sounds so good! Thanks Claire!
I am from San Diego and Bitchin’ Sauce is a native favorite! Great way to incorporate, thanks so much!!
Thank you Lori!
What are you supposed to do with the artichokes? They are listed in the ingredients but not in the remaining directions.
Hi Jackie, so sorry. You add the artichokes with all the other ingredients when assemble. The recipe has been fixed. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love this! 🙂
I made this last night and it was unreal. I would’ve never thought to combine those ingredients. You are a genius!
So glad you loved this! Thank you Anna!
This was a lot of work, but damn, was it worth it! Interesting mixture of ingredients that surprisingly came together nicely. Definitely a make again 🙂