Sweet Potato and Feta Rice Bowl with Hot Honey Sauce
This warm, nourishing rice bowl combines roasted sweet potatoes, creamy feta, and fluffy rice, all brought together with a luscious hot honey drizzle. The Mediterranean influence shines through with olive oil, lemon, and herbs — it’s wholesome, comforting, and full of vibrant color and flavor.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
1½ tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Rice Base
1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
1 tsp lemon zest
For the Bowl Toppings
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup baby spinach or arugula
2 tbsp chopped toasted walnuts or almonds
1 tbsp chopped parsley or mint (for freshness)
For the Hot Honey Sauce
2 tbsp honey
½–1 tsp chili flakes
1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
½ tsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and caramelized.
2. Cook the Rice
Rinse rice and add to a pot with water (or broth), salt, and olive oil.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until fluffy.
Fluff with a fork and stir in lemon zest (optional).
3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small pan or bowl, warm honey slightly (just until runny).
Stir in chili flakes, vinegar/lemon juice, and olive oil.
Set aside — it will thicken slightly as it cools.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Spoon rice into bowls.
Top with roasted sweet potatoes, spinach or arugula, crumbled feta, and nuts.
Drizzle generously with hot honey sauce.
Finish with chopped parsley or mint for a fresh lift.
Tips
For extra flavor, roast a few red onion wedges or chickpeas with the sweet potatoes.
To make it non-spicy, skip chili flakes and use regular honey-lemon drizzle instead.
The hot honey can be made ahead and stored in a jar for up to a week.
Serving Ideas
Add a soft-boiled or poached egg for more protein.
Serve with Greek yogurt on the side to balance the spice.
Pair with a simple cucumber salad or roasted veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead?
Absolutely! Brown rice or quinoa adds extra fiber and works perfectly with the same toppings.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes — it stores beautifully. Keep components separate and drizzle hot honey just before serving.
Q: Can I air fry the sweet potatoes?
Yes, cook at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~460
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 60g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium: moderate