Thai BBQ Chicken Bowl

Walnuts are the perfect complement to this Thai inspired barbeque bowl that’s a  mix of brown rice, roasted red peppers,  BBQ chicken, arugula, garbonzo beans and  drizzled with  a warm  sweet and sour sauce.

Disclosure: I received free samples of California walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the California Walnut Commission and I am eligble to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Versatily, variety and the pleasure of eating! Yep, that’s what I’m talkin’ about, and it all starts here with these.... I would eat them for their delicious crunch alone, but they’re also a powerhouse of good nutrition providing important components of a healthy diet- an ounce of walnuts has 2.5 grams of the essential plant-based omega 3 alpha-linolenic acic (ALA), 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full. I love to  gooble them up by the handful, but  they’re also a perfect complement to other whole foods! In her book, the Vegetarian Flavor Bible, Karen Page  lists over 100 whole foods that pair with walnuts, from apples to zucchini. Talk about versatility!

 Because I ‘m a creature of habit, I  tend to eat foods that are familiar to me.  So when given a two pound bag of delicious walnuts, here’s what I’d typically do with them (besides eating them by the handful):

• make banana nut muffins

• prepare a nut roll

• use as a coating for chicken and fish

• add to cereals and granola

• add to salads

• add to smoothies

• make nut butter

Now don’t get me wrong, there ‘s nothing wrong with any of the above. However,  today the challenge is to play matchmaker and create clever pairings for this hard working nut and other whole foods to give you ideas for a healthy pantry makeover. You see, the folks at the California Walnut Commission are smart; they  know that the walnut hasn’t reached it’s culinary potential! Incorporating walnuts and other whole foods into nutritious dishes with  exciting new tastes and textures will improve your eating pleasure. So let’s get started!

Today I’m focusing on variety in one single bowl. That’s right, one bowl with layers of nutritious and tasty ingredients including a whole grain,  both plant and animal proteins,  raw and cooked veggies, and delicious California walnuts. The sweet and tangy sauce drizzled over the top will excite your taste buds even more. I hope you will continute to enjoy California walnuts in your favorite  traditional walnut dishes and in this extraordinary  BBQ bowl!