Gather what is available. Prepare with care. Bring it together.
“This bowl is shaped by season and circumstance, not strict instructions.”
Like a garden at the height of its season, this bowl is made up of many small offerings, each one grown, gathered, or prepared in its own time. The Osem Bowl is an invitation to slow down and notice what is ready, rather than reaching for what is prescribed.
There are no strict rules here, only rhythm and intuition. A handful of greens, a scoop of grains, a spoon of something hearty, a splash of brightness. Brought together, these simple elements create a meal that is grounding, nourishing, and quietly abundant, a reflection of the way food, like gardening, rewards presence and care.
The Osem Bowl is not about precision, but about attention. Ingredients are prepared separately, then combined in a way that feels balanced and intuitive. The result is a meal that is flexible, nourishing, and suited to everyday cooking.
How this recipe works:
This bowl follows a simple rhythm for ease: begin with a base, add vegetables and protein, build flavour, and finish with a dressing, adjusting each step according to what is available.
Building the bowl
These ingredients are here to inspire and guide you, but they’re by no means the only options.
The base
Choose one – the foundation of the bowl:
bulgar wheat | basmati rice | millet | veggie pasta | lettuce
“The base provides structure. It can be warm or fresh, depending on the season. Usually made up of grains, legumes, or leafy greens. This layer grounds the bowl and carries the flavours of everything added on top.”
The vegetables
Choose two to five for seasonal colour and texture:
Cooked/roasted: carrots, sweetcorn, pumpkin
Fresh: tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots
Steamed: broccoli, cauliflower
“The vegetables form the heart of the bowl. A mix of roasted, fresh, or lightly cooked vegetables adds contrast in colour, texture, and flavour.”
The protein
Choose one to make it satisfying:
quinoa | chickpeas | lentils | beans | textured pea protein | chicken | tuna
“The protein adds substance, turning the bowl into a complete, nourishing meal.”
The flavour
Small additions that lift the bowl:
Roasted seeds: sunflower | pumpkin | sesame | mix
Pickles: gherkins | beetroot | olives | capers
Fresh herbs: basil | mint | parsley
“The flavour comes from the smaller details. Herbs, pickles, and small extras add brightness and depth, allowing simple ingredients to shine.”
The dressing
Choose one to bring everything together:
Simple dressing: olive oil, lemon juice & salt
Tahini dressing: combine tahini, lemon juice, salt & pepper, then add water for a runnier consistency.
Basil pesto mayo: combine basil pesto and mayonnaise, with a dash of plain yoghurt, adjusting each to taste.
Tzatziki: combine plain yoghurt, lemon juice, salt & chopped fresh mint.
“The dressing ties the bowl together. A simple combination of oil, acid, and seasoning is often enough, with tasting and adjusting encouraged until the bowl feels balanced and complete.”
You’ll find many of these ingredients at The Osem Shop, along with easy, step-by-step guides on their website for preparing each part of the bowl. www.osemshop.co.za
Compiled by Wikus Botha/ CoffeeTalks
