1. Cook the Base Grain

Start by cooking your choice of base grain. Quinoa, brown rice, farro, or barley all make great options. If you’re using pre-cooked grains, you can skip this step, but if you’re cooking from scratch, follow the instructions on the packaging. Typically, for quinoa, you’ll need 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water or broth. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the grains are tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside to cool.

For brown rice, cook according to the package instructions (usually 45 minutes to an hour), and for farro or barley, follow the suggested cooking times on the package. If you’re short on time, using leftover cooked grains from a previous meal or a quick-cooking variety can help speed things up.

2. Cook the Bacon (or Sausage)

If you’re adding bacon or sausage to your breakfast bowl, cook them now. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and golden. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to drain excess fat. If you’re using sausage, crumble it into the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once cooked, chop the bacon into smaller pieces or slice the sausage into bite-sized rounds, then set aside.

3. Sauté the Greens

In the same pan (or in a separate pan if you prefer), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your spinach or kale to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the greens have wilted and softened. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before sautéing.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can sprinkle in a bit of garlic powder or onion powder, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Once cooked, remove the greens from the pan and set them aside.

4. Prepare the Eggs

While the grains and vegetables are cooking, it’s time to cook your eggs. You can prepare the eggs in any style you like—scrambled, fried, poached, or soft-boiled. For a fried egg, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add a little butter or oil. Crack the egg into the pan and cook until the whites are set, but the yolk remains runny, about 3-4 minutes. If you prefer scrambled eggs, whisk the eggs in a bowl and cook them in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Once your eggs are ready, set them aside.

5. Assemble the Bowl

Now it’s time to assemble your Savory Breakfast Bowl! Start with a base of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or your chosen grain. Add a generous portion of sautéed spinach or kale on top of the grain. Then, layer on the diced tomatoes and avocado slices for added freshness and healthy fats.

Top with the cooked eggs—either whole if fried or scrambled if you prefer—and crumble the cooked bacon or sausage on top. For extra flavor, sprinkle a tablespoon of nutritional yeast over the bowl, which gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Season the entire bowl with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add Optional Toppings

This step is where you can get creative! Add any optional toppings you prefer. For a spicy kick, drizzle some hot sauce or salsa on top. For added creaminess, a drizzle of tahini is a great choice. You could also add a dollop of Greek yogurt, a few crumbles of feta cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. These extra touches not only enhance the flavor but also add texture and color to the bowl.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is assembled and topped to your liking, your Savory Breakfast Bowl is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately while the ingredients are fresh and warm.