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The Whole Bowl – Tali Sauce Recipe {naturally Gluten Free}

Mar 16, 2021 · 125 Comments

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The perfect vegetarian meal is the whole bowl tali sauce recipe which also happens to be naturally gluten free. This bowl of deliciousness is also great for healthy meal planning and make ahead meal prep.

The whole bowl with tali sauce in a white bowl this image

Just like with the best pumpkin loaf – the whole bowl with tali sauce was needing a little revamping in the picture department. Years ago when I got my first “real” camera for the blog, this was one of the first recipes I re-shot – so this is technically a re-re shoot. Here is the picture from 2014, and I still love it, but it doesn’t show all the components that go in the dish, which I’ll share with you.

Hands holding a white bowl with food inside

I don’t mind re-doing and re-photographing this recipe though, because the whole bowl is SO GOOD.  I could make it over and over again!

The ingredients used to make the whole bowl with tali sauce

Why You’ll Love This Whole Bowl Recipe

  • Comforting and filling – brown rice, beans, and creamy sauce make it satisfying.

  • Naturally gluten-free – ideal for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.

  • Quick to prep – Tali Sauce blends in minutes and comes together with simple ingredients.

  • Perfect for weeknights – assemble in about 10–15 minutes for an easy dinner.

  • Great for make-ahead meals – works beautifully for meal prep or leftovers.

  • Flavor-packed – lemony garlic, chickpeas, and nutritional yeast give the Tali Sauce a unique, savory punch.

You know how there are certain dishes that just change your life? Well folks, this is one of them! I first came across The Whole Bowl when my husband and I visited Portland a few years ago. We had The Whole Bowl at a food truck square and fell in love with it. The second we got back I set out to recreating the dish so we could enjoy it at home.

Making tali sauce in a food processor

Tips for Success

  • Use a food processor or blender – it makes the Tali Sauce silky smooth.

  • Adjust consistency – if the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time.

  • Taste and tweak – more lemon juice or salt can brighten the sauce even more.

  • Warm the base – heating the rice and beans makes the bowl feel cozy and comforting.

  • Mix add-ins last – avocado and cilantro are fresh garnishes that shine on top.

Since trying it for the first time, I have gone back to Portland and had the whole bowl again and again just to make sure my recipe was right, and I have to tell you, it tastes just like the dish from the food truck!

Over the years, I’ve gotten some of the sweetest comments:

Review of the recipe

The bowl is said to be ‘like eating a hug’ and I can definitely see why; it’s warming, delicious, and has such a great flavor combination that is tied together by the Tali Sauce.

This is my take on the Tali sauce that I’ve refined and that has turned out better than expected and yummy every time (even the time I accidentally spilled the cayenne in and it was super spicy and I couldn’t feel my mouth…yeah even then it was good!)

Tools to Make The Whole Bowl Even Easier

  • Compartment meal-prep containers: These are perfect for meal prep. Look for containers with one large compartment for the rice and beans and smaller sections for the avocado, cilantro, salsa, cheese, and other chilled toppings. You can reheat the base without warming everything else.
  • Small leakproof sauce containers: Keep the Tali Sauce separate until you’re ready to eat. They prevent the rice from soaking up all of the sauce during storage, but that’s fine too, it’s delish either way!
  • Food processor (my fave – I’ve surprisingly gone through three in the last 15 years): A food processor makes the Tali Sauce incredibly easy to prepare and gives it that silky-smooth texture. Simply add all of the sauce ingredients and blend. Or use this small blender, it’s SO POWERFUL, and I love it.

Tali sauce in a jar on a spoon

It’s garlicy, it’s lemony, it has a unique combination of spices, and contains a secret ingredient – which is using nutritional yeast (you can find it at health food stores in the bulk spices aisle or in the baking aisle, or buy it on amazon here!

So yummy!

Besides making the sauce (which only takes a few minutes) the other ingredients one just spoons on, it’s such an easy vegetarian dinner to make.

TRY this amazingly delicious and unique dish, it’ll become a favorite!

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a complete vegetarian meal

  • Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein

  • Swap salsa for pico de gallo or hot sauce for spice

  • Keep extras of Tali Sauce on hand for salads, roasted veggies, or sandwiches

Food in a white bowl with a spoon

This vegetarian meal is also great for making ahead/meal prepping. You put the rice and beans with tali sauce in one container (which can be microwaved) and then the toppings in another container. Reheating takes one minute. So easy, so delicious!

Customize It

  • Add extra protein: Top with grilled chicken, crispy tofu, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even a fried egg to make it even more filling.

  • Turn up the heat: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a spicy salsa for extra kick.

  • Load up the veggies: Stir in roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed peppers, corn, shredded cabbage, or fresh spinach for added color and nutrition.

Food in plastic storage containers

After making this sauce numerous times, I have found that it is best when made in a food processor – like this one (<–is the one I use), and you can buy the nutritional yeast online. Hope you enjoy!

FAQS about The Whole Bowl – Tali Sauce

  • Can I make the Tali Sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. The sauce stores in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container and can even be frozen if needed.
  • What are good bowl add-ins? Try roasted veggies, jalapeños, corn, or additional beans to bulk up your meal even more.
  • Can this be a meal prep lunch? Yes! Prepare bases separately from fresh toppings, and assemble when you’re ready to eat for best texture.

Other recipes you might enjoy:

  • 5 Ingredient Vegan Vegetarian Meatballs 
  • One Pan Vegetarian Dumpling Stir Fry
  • Vegetarian Japanese Pan Noodles

Find all of my gluten-free recipes here.

The whole bowl with tali sauce in a white bowl

The Whole Bowl - Tali Sauce Recipe {naturally Gluten Free}

The perfect vegetarian meal is the whole bowl tali sauce recipe which also happens to be naturally gluten free. This bowl of deliciousness is also great for healthy meal planning and make ahead meal prep.
4.40 from 98 votes
Print Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Tali Sauce:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast found in bins at health food stores
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/3 cup chickpeas I used canned Garbanzo beans, drained
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp curry powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp onion salt
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Bowl Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cooked brown rice use 1 cup per bowl
  • 1 can black beans 15 oz. (use 1/4 can per bowl)
  • 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo use about 2 tablespoons per bowl
  • Tali Sauce 1/4 cup per bowl
  • 1/2-1 cup sharp cheddar shredded (use 2 Tbs per bowl)
  • 1/4 cup black olives roughly chopped (1 Tbs per bowl)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream 1 Tbs per bowl
  • 1 avocado sliced (1/4 avocado per bowl)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped (1 generous pinch per bowl)

Instructions

For the sauce:

  • Measure out all ingredients and put in a food processor or blender and blend until silky smooth. If you want yours to be more liquidy, add additional tablespoon by tablespoon of water until desired consistency is reached. The sauce makes enough for 4 bowls, so store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week if not using all immediately (I've also frozen it and let it thaw before serving, it is also good microwaved and served warm.)
    Tali sauce in a jar on a spoon

Bowl Assembly:

  • In the bottom of a bowl place brown rice and beans, then salsa, then ½ the amount of Tali Sauce, then the the cheddar cheese, olives, and on the sides the sour cream and remaining Tali Sauce, and top of with cilantro...yum!
    Food in a white bowl with a spoon

Notes

The nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.
Your comments and feedback are helpful and appreciated!! If you’ve tried this recipe or any other recipe on SweetPhi.com, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! If you took some photos, we'd love to see them - you can share on Instagram or email them to phi@sweetphi.com and we'll add it to our reader recreations.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 654kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 905mg | Potassium: 907mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 604IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 196mg | Iron: 4mg

Some of the above links are affiliate links, if you purchase products through those links at no additional cost to you, I might earn a few pennies to keep this blog going 🙂 Thank you for supporting the SweetPhi blog.

Update: I went back to Portland and had the Whole Bowl again just to compare my version and the ‘real’ thing, and I have to tell you – it was spot on, definitely try this recipe, it’s suuuuper good:

Holding a white bowl from The Whole Bowl

 

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Reader Recreation – The Whole Bowl – Tali Sauce Recipe {naturally Gluten Free}
Reader Recreation – The Whole Bowl – Tali Sauce Recipe {naturally Gluten Free}

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sadie says

    January 15, 2026 at 8:17 pm

    This is legit so good. I suspect it’s the mustard powder of all things that tie it together? Who knew? 😀 It’s not as umami as I recall from Whole bowl and that could be to me not having garlic salt or onion salt. I used garlic powder and onion powder? Also I used sea salt instead of table or kosher salt. Would that make much difference? In any case, it is AMAZING and I’m adding it to my rotation. Thank you so very much!!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 20, 2026 at 1:04 pm

      Thank you SO MUCH for this super sweet comment/feedback. Makes me so happy to hear, so glad you like this recipe!

      Reply
  2. ri188 says

    June 15, 2025 at 4:47 pm

    This Tali Sauce recipe is a game changer! I love how easy it is to make and that it’s gluten-free. Can’t wait to try it with some roasted veggies and grains. Thank you for sharing such a delicious and healthy option!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      June 16, 2025 at 12:34 pm

      So happy to hear this, so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  3. Rae says

    April 14, 2025 at 3:53 pm

    5 stars
    This is delicious!!! I live in Portland so I’ve had this sauce before, but have a kiddo with a garbanzo allergy so I use cannellini beans and it’s equally as good without the hospital trips! And a note about freezing… When I make it, I quadruple the batch and have condiment squeeze containers. Recipe times 4 fills two containers. It keeps for the week in the fridge and we just shake it and put the sauce on all sorts of dishes! That said I just use a second squeeze container and put it in a ziplock and it freezes great. No issues… Just shake and serve. Very easy and was equally as good. There was a post about it separating and needing to re blend, but not necessary with the right container.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      April 15, 2025 at 2:53 pm

      Thank you so much for this lovely and very helpful comment! I love how you make it and put it in containers, genius!! I had someone once make this as wedding favors lol! Thank you for coming back and leaving this comment, much appreciated.

      Reply
  4. GTA Vice City App says

    March 28, 2025 at 1:40 am

    I just made this Tali Sauce recipe, and it turned out amazing! The flavors are so vibrant and fresh. I can’t believe it’s naturally gluten-free too! Can’t wait to try it with all sorts of dishes. Thank you for sharing this gem!

    Reply
  5. Y2meta says

    February 3, 2025 at 3:51 pm

    This Tali sauce sounds incredible! I love that it’s naturally gluten-free, and I can’t wait to try it with my favorite bowl combos. Thank you for sharing such a delicious recipe!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 11, 2025 at 1:28 pm

      You’re so welcome, so glad you love it

      Reply
  6. YOUTUBE APK says

    January 3, 2025 at 4:44 pm

    This Tali sauce recipe looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try it with my next Whole Bowl. Thanks for sharing a naturally gluten-free option—always on the lookout for tasty recipes that fit my dietary needs!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 5, 2025 at 12:14 pm

      Thank you so much, I think you’d love it!

      Reply
  7. 91 CLUB LOGIN says

    December 14, 2024 at 1:56 am

    I absolutely love the idea of making Tali Sauce at home! The flavors sound amazing, and I appreciate the gluten-free aspect. Can’t wait to try this out and add it to my favorite bowl recipes. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 19, 2024 at 9:43 am

      I think you’ll love it, it’s super delish!

      Reply
  8. mp3 Juice says

    October 8, 2024 at 3:56 am

    I just tried the Tali Sauce recipe and it was absolutely amazing! The flavors are so vibrant and it made my bowl come alive. I love that it’s gluten-free too! Thank you for sharing this gem. Can’t wait to make it again!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      October 8, 2024 at 11:41 am

      Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback, I’m so glad you enjoyed this dish!!

      Reply
  9. Kevin says

    January 4, 2024 at 9:48 pm

    5 stars
    It’s exactly the same! So good.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 5, 2024 at 1:21 pm

      So so happy to hear this, thanks for sharing your feedback!

      Reply
  10. Hazel says

    December 30, 2023 at 6:36 am

    5 stars
    This is foolproof! It’s our go-to for friends with various dietary restrictions since it’s so customizable and it’s always a hit! We moved from western Canada to Atlantic Canada and miss our road trips down to Portland, OR, but this recipe helps keep the memories alive! Our east coast friends love the Tali Sauce! Thanks so much for this great recipe! It’s always a winner!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 5, 2024 at 1:28 pm

      I’m so happy to hear this, thank you for taking the time to come and leave this amazing feedback!!

      Reply
  11. Felisa Galindo says

    November 9, 2023 at 7:52 pm

    5 stars
    Very simple recipe and OMG is it delicious

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      November 10, 2023 at 12:42 pm

      So happy to hear this feedback, thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
  12. Heather says

    September 24, 2023 at 1:31 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe! I’ve been making it for years, and it always hits the spot. I’ve shared it with a few people as well and they’ve made it many times and love it too!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      September 26, 2023 at 11:02 am

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, thank you for your feedback!!

      Reply
  13. Maria Florencia Varela says

    December 12, 2022 at 7:24 pm

    5 stars
    I used to live in Cincinnati, where the Whole Bowl is located. Now I moved out of state, but this recipe allows me to bring back the best memories. I truly love this dish. Thanks for sharing the recipe !!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 15, 2022 at 1:44 pm

      This makes me so happy to hear!! So glad you love this dish, it’s a fave in our house

      Reply
  14. Healthypoo says

    September 16, 2022 at 11:06 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you so much. I moved from Portland and my salon was 2 blocks away from The Whole Bowl so I ate there each week for 10 years. I moved to Phoenix (because of family) in 2012 and it just now dawned on me that I could find a copy cat recipe after feeling deprived for all these years. It turned out incredibly tasty and I can now poo again, yay!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      September 20, 2022 at 8:57 am

      YAY – so happy you enjoyed this recipe and that it could reconnect you to an old fave!

      Reply
  15. Jeff says

    July 26, 2022 at 1:30 pm

    5 stars
    First time definitely go back definitely will use the recipe at home

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      August 1, 2022 at 9:37 am

      So glad to hear that!!

      Reply
  16. c says

    June 19, 2022 at 3:37 pm

    5 stars
    incredible crowd pleaser. my sister referred me to this recipe and you can even thicken it up by adding more chickpeas and it an be a delicious dip!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 1, 2022 at 7:54 am

      Oh what a neat idea of making it into a dip even! So glad you loved the recipe, and thank you for taking the time to leave feedback, I truly appreciate it!

      Reply
  17. Ted says

    May 27, 2022 at 8:29 pm

    5 stars
    This is an excellent recipe. Our family makes this at least once a month. I’d recommend doubling (if not tripling) the Tali sauce.

    Reply
  18. Lauren says

    January 18, 2022 at 6:49 pm

    This is definitely very similar to the original sauce. I used to eat there regularly back when it was just a food truck back in mid-2000’s and I lived in that neighborhood of Portland. I would only cut out the cumin because it was a bit overpowering but it is a pretty good recipie. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 20, 2022 at 1:15 pm

      I’m so glad to hear you liked this – it has me craving the whole bowl, going to make it again next week 🙂

      Reply
  19. ML says

    January 12, 2022 at 9:46 pm

    5 stars
    My friend made this for me and it was amazing! Now I’m going to make it. But I don’t have onion and garlic salts. Can I use fresh onion and garlic? If yes, how much of each would you recommend? Thank you!

    Reply
  20. Heather Bean says

    November 12, 2021 at 12:02 am

    5 stars
    Portland native here! Whole bowl is one of my favs (drool). I was excited when I found this recipe years ago. I’ve used it many times now. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      November 17, 2021 at 11:04 am

      You’re so welcome, so happy to hear you enjoy this dish!!!!

      Reply
  21. Amy's Nutrition Kitchen says

    October 29, 2021 at 3:37 pm

    LOVE a good bowl dish and this sauce just takes it up a notch – it really is ALL about the sauce!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      November 1, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      This is one of our all time favorite recipes, it’s packed with so much flavor and everyone can customize their own bowl!!

      Reply
  22. Bob says

    October 21, 2021 at 8:51 pm

    5 stars
    Great sauce! My family’s favorite…

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      October 25, 2021 at 3:07 pm

      So happy to hear you guys love it!!

      Reply
  23. Lily says

    September 12, 2021 at 11:09 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Phi! I regularly eat at Whole Bowl, but can’t get enough of the sauce. I tried several online recipes that claim to nail the Tali sauce. Yea, they’re not bad, but it’s never quite right. It’s not Tali sauce. Your recipe, on the other hand, is practically perfect. Thank you so much for working on this and sharing it. I just made a double batch and I’m pretty sure I should have made a triple batch. (Don’t worry… Whole Bowl is not losing me as a customer just because I found a recipe that hits that Tali spot heheh!)

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      September 13, 2021 at 2:30 pm

      Oh my goodness, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and feedback. Every time I get a comment, it makes me want the Whole Bowl again and I go and get the ingredients and make them, because this dish is SO comforting and amazingly delicious. Wish I lived close to an actual Whole Bowl location because I’d be customer #1 lol. I’m so glad you appreciate the recipe!! Thanks again for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  24. bea says

    May 25, 2021 at 5:59 pm

    5 stars
    this recipe is amazing. it tastes EXACTLY like the real deal! everyone i show this recipe to loves it as well and can’t tell the difference 🙂 thank you!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      May 26, 2021 at 11:21 am

      Yay!!! Thank you so much for the awesome feedback, truly appreciate it!!

      Reply
  25. Erica Caldwell says

    January 2, 2021 at 10:52 pm

    5 stars
    A favorite meal for our vegan family!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 4, 2021 at 11:47 am

      Thank you so much for taking the time to come and leave this comment!! I’m so glad you guys enjoy it!

      Reply
  26. Monica Smith says

    August 15, 2019 at 9:04 am

    I was working downtown Portland for about 8 years, and the Whole Bowl was on my list of places to have a quick delicious lunch. A year ago my husband and I moved and I thought I was only going to be able to enjoy when we go back to visit. I made this last night and it was EXACTLY what I remembered. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      August 17, 2019 at 8:56 am

      Yay!!!! So happy to hear that you enjoy it and that it’s like you remember- I love this recipe so much and make it all the time too 🙂

      Reply
  27. Cassidy says

    April 17, 2019 at 6:00 pm

    Thanks so much for this recipe! I used to live in Portland and LOVED the Whole Bowl, I probably went there weekly! I made this recipe tonight and it brought me right back!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      April 23, 2019 at 1:46 pm

      So happy to hear this! Thank you for your feedback, this is one of my all time fave recipes and we make it all the time because it’s so good!

      Reply
  28. Tommy says

    March 24, 2019 at 9:22 pm

    You nailed this recipe! I live in Portland and often walk to the NW Whole Bowl food cart at lunchtime. The combo of tali sauce, salsa, and sour cream is magical. You really dailed it in! Thank you so much for taking the time to figure out this one.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      March 26, 2019 at 11:33 am

      Thank you so much for your comment and feedback!! I absolutely love this recipe and have been making it a lot recently too, it’s just such a good flavor combination!

      Reply
  29. Julie says

    July 10, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    Hey girl,
    Made this tonight and loved it!! Thanks for the recipe!
    Hubby approved!!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 10, 2018 at 6:39 pm

      So glad to hear it, thanks for sharing! My hubby loves this one too!!

      Reply
  30. Holly says

    January 5, 2018 at 7:39 pm

    Any idea how long this will keep in the fridge?

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 5, 2018 at 7:57 pm

      It never lasts more than a week in our house lol, but this also freezes really well!

      Reply
      • Holly says

        January 5, 2018 at 8:21 pm

        It’s really good, so I can see that! My boyfriend and I made it as gifts for friends, and we were wondering what we should give them as a “use by” date. Maybe a week?

        Reply
        • Sweetphi says

          January 5, 2018 at 8:29 pm

          Oh I love that idea of giving it as gifts! I’d say a week and a half!

          Reply
  31. Denise says

    October 3, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    OMG – I saw this on IG and instantly wanted to add to my menu planning. Cannot wait to try this out!!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      October 4, 2017 at 10:37 am

      I can’t wait to hear how you like it! I can honestly tell you that of the many things I cook, THIS is one of the things I make most. It takes me back to visiting Portland and trying food trucks (before they were cool lol) and even my husband loves and raves about this dish, so yay for healthy meals that are loved! Can’t wait to hear how you like it!

      Reply
  32. Lauren R says

    July 30, 2017 at 3:22 pm

    I had Whole Bowl a few years ago when visiting Portland. Last year she opened a location in Cincinnati where I live and it is fantastic (I think the owner is originally from here). I can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 31, 2017 at 8:12 pm

      Thank you, hope you love it as much as I do 🙂

      Reply
  33. Claire says

    July 28, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    My husband and I made BOATLOADS of this tali sauce for our wedding reception. It was a huge hit. Bunches of people said it was the best wedding food they’ve had. We had a lot left over and have frozen it. We keep thawing a bottle at a time and it makes having a Whole Bowl the easiest thing ever…I bet we eat Whole Bowls at least once or twice a week. I also use Tali sauce on salads, to dip veggies in, on eggs, etc. It’s the best. Thanks for figuring out the recipe.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 30, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      OH MY GOSH! Thank you SOOOOO much for your super sweet comment, I’m so so SO happy to hear how much you like it, and what a clever idea to make it for your wedding reception!!

      Reply
  34. V says

    February 3, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    This recipe is just like the real deal Whole Bowl! Thank you! I left out the curry powder (didn’t feel like paying $6 for a new jar) and didn’t miss it at all. I’ll be making these all week!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      February 6, 2017 at 7:44 am

      Thank you so much!! I love this recipe too, and love to hear how people modify it, so glad to hear that it turned out great without the curry powder too.

      Reply
    • ALEXIS M REALE says

      November 4, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      I must have done something wrong because this recipe is disgusting! tastes nothing like the whole bowl sauce..it smells gross too. Looking for another recipe!

      Reply
  35. Kathleen O'Reilly says

    December 9, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    Hi. The image has mustard powder, the recipe curry. Which is it? Thanks

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 9, 2016 at 1:16 pm

      It’s curry powder, I’ll change the image, thanks 🙂

      Reply
  36. Julia Heatherwick says

    November 29, 2016 at 11:57 pm

    I made this for our Thanksgiving dinner. It was delicious! I only used one clove of garlic because my husband doesn’t like to be overpowered by the flavor. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 1, 2016 at 8:29 am

      I’m so happy to hear that you made this and loved it 🙂

      Reply
  37. Rudy says

    November 11, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    I currently live in Portland and been going to Whole Bowl for some time now and absolutely love the bowls. Moving back to Chicago soon and would dearly miss this place when I leave, so I searched on how to make the sauce for these bowls, and wow almost spot on and now I can take this recipe back home with me and enjoy any time. Thank you very much Sweetphi for this recipe

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      November 18, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      Thank you so much for your comment Rudy, I think you’ll love this recipe, it’s definitely one of my faves 🙂

      Reply
  38. Ashley@CookNourishBliss says

    September 29, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    That sauce sounds SOOO good! As do the rest of these bowls! Now if only I had some on hand for dinner! 🙂

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      October 4, 2016 at 6:12 am

      Thank you so much girl! This sauce is seriously one of my faves. I like to make a batch and then freeze whatever I don’t use so that when I’m craving it, I have it on hand 😉

      Reply
  39. Jess says

    September 28, 2016 at 3:56 am

    I need the sauce in my life, your bowls look delicious! I usually do meal prep for the week on Tuesday mornings when the house is a little quieter, I think I’m going to add these to the list for next week, they look so good !!!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      September 28, 2016 at 11:45 am

      I think these bowls would make the perfect addition to your meal prepping – they’re so delicious!

      Reply
  40. shawnna griffin says

    September 27, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    hey girl this looks so yummy!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      September 28, 2016 at 11:34 am

      Thank you so much, so glad you like the looks of it 🙂

      Reply
  41. Cheri says

    September 27, 2016 at 7:43 am

    This looks like heaven in a bowl Phi, love the sauce!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      September 28, 2016 at 11:33 am

      This is definitely my heaven in a bowl – it’s sooooo good Cheri 🙂

      Reply
  42. Catherine says

    September 5, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    Hi there! I just got back from a trip to the NW and while in Portland we went to the Whole Bowl and I loooved it! I’m really looking forward to trying this recipe at home. Do you think that onion powder and garlic powder plus extra salt could substitute for the onion and garlic salts? I have the powders just not the salts! Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      September 6, 2016 at 7:47 am

      I think you’re going to love this recipe, now I’m totally going to have to make it again because I’m thinking about it 🙂 Yes, definitely ok to use powders, I’d just add an extra pinch of salt.

      Reply
  43. Donna says

    April 27, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    Has anyone tried freezing this wonderful sauce? My son introduced us to this dish now at the VERY least we have it once a week. Oh, and the sauce goes with just about everything! We love it!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      April 28, 2016 at 8:46 am

      Thank you SO much for your lovely comment! I did try freezing it – what I did was I divided it into a few containers. It thawed pretty well but it was a little watery and the consistency wasn’t as good as fresh…I ran it through the food processor again and it was great. So while yes, it can be frozen, I would only recommend freezing it if you are going to run it through a food processor or blender when it thaws 🙂

      Reply
  44. Hilary says

    April 21, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    Hi! I’m really excited to try making Tali Sauce! I’ve got all the ingredients, about to go into the food processor! But I just happen to notice that the 2013 recipe calls for 1/4th cup chickpeas, whereas this version calls for a full can of chickpeas. How much am I really suppose to use!?

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      April 25, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      Hi Hilary, Thank you so much for your comment!! So sorry to only see your comment now – I was out of town with no wifi. It all depends on personal taste, the more beans, the thicker the sauce. I changed it in the recipe to only be 1/4 can of beans because that’s how I usually make it. Thanks again for commenting, enjoy!

      Reply
  45. Emily says

    April 9, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    My eldest asked for Whole Bowl for his 13th birthday meal today. I googled the sauce and thankfully I found your recipe! The 5 of us have just enjoyed a perfect home made whole bowl meal – thank you!!! It’s just gorgeous – it won’t stop me buying the bowl regularly when I’m at work, but I’m so glad I can make it for the family now too! You’re a star 🙂

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      April 14, 2016 at 12:25 pm

      AHHHH OMG your comment is making my day over here! SO GLAD you guys loved it! And I’m right there with you – when I was in Portland again I ordered it (multiple times) – but it is nice to have a recipe to make at home, isn’t it? Thank you again for your lovely comment!

      Reply
  46. Elsie says

    August 10, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    Is this a cold dish? Are the rice or beans heated? Sounds interesting!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      August 11, 2014 at 7:40 am

      Hi Elsie, thank you for your comment. This is a warm dish, but the Tali sauce is not warm (although you could certainly warm it). You would warm the beans and rice before serving (I just warm them in the microwave), and then add the other ingredients. It is definitely a super interesting and delicious meal! Let me know how you like it if you try it 🙂

      Reply
  47. Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says

    July 18, 2014 at 8:42 am

    I realllllly need to try this now!! : )

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 20, 2014 at 8:29 pm

      Thanks girl! It is definitely worth trying, it’s soooo yummy!!

      Reply
  48. cheri says

    July 17, 2014 at 9:05 pm

    Hi Phi, love this sauce, it’s amazing, great hand model too!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 20, 2014 at 8:23 pm

      Haha, I keep telling him he has missed his calling lol

      Reply
  49. Vicky myers says

    July 17, 2014 at 3:00 pm

    Looks yummy:) never heard of Tali sauce before.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 8:00 pm

      Once you have this deliciousness you’ll never be able to forget the name 😉

      Reply
  50. agatapokutycka says

    July 17, 2014 at 6:10 am

    It looks like a perfect summer dish… so fresh.
    I could have it right now!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      I know, right? Don’t you just want this for dinner tonight? So good!

      Reply
  51. Emma T (@ETusty) says

    July 17, 2014 at 5:51 am

    Sounds and looks amazing. Definitely looks healthy and sounds tasty

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      Why thank you for commenting Emma, this definitely was super tasty and healthy 🙂

      Reply
  52. anecdotesandapples says

    July 16, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    OH MY GOSH! We totally went there at the end of June and we’ve totally been craving the Whole Bowl. I’m so thrilled. You made our night 😉

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      Thank you for that comment, I think you’ll absolutely positively love this recipe 🙂

      Reply
  53. Karis says

    July 16, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    This totally sounds like a Portland type of dish, which means Portland would be the perfect place for me to live…or at least visit. I just wish it wasn’t so far from Miami. I can get to Ireland or Peru in the same amount of time 🙂

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:28 pm

      Ha! No way, that is crazy that you can go to Ireland or Peru in the same about of time it would take you to get to Portland…but I get it…it took us from Milwaukee a looong day with multiple layovers to get there- but- it was totally worth it because we tried this dish, and wow, so yummy and different!

      Reply
  54. Ashley says

    July 16, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    This sounds delicious! I loveeee bowl meals – I don’t know what it is about them but they just make me happy! That sauce looks awesome!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      The sauce is super awesome, and because of the tumeric and curry it is this beautiful yellow color, I just love it! Thanks for commenting girl!

      Reply
  55. Annie @Maebells says

    July 16, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    I just love big bowls of things! I think they make fun dinners! And this sauce sounds fantastic! I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      This definitely makes for a fun dinner! Thanks for commenting, let me know how you like it 🙂

      Reply
  56. Rita says

    July 16, 2014 at 10:55 am

    Phi I made your recipe before and we loved it ====will have to make it again

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:25 pm

      YAY-so glad you made it and you loved it, thanks for commenting!!

      Reply
  57. Vicki - The Free From Fairy says

    July 16, 2014 at 10:00 am

    Oh wow! The sauce sounds amazing but I cannot eat yeast so I guess it won’t be the same without that. Such a shame because I am looking for something yummy to have for tea tonight!! Great photos by the way!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:24 pm

      Thank you for the photography comments, really appreciate it 🙂

      Reply
  58. Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says

    July 16, 2014 at 6:44 am

    This sauce sounds ah-mazing! I can imagine why you all are obsessed with those bowls – yum!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      July 17, 2014 at 12:24 pm

      It really is ah-mazing 🙂 thanks for commenting, hope you try this one day 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

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  4. Data Dump – Senzibile Tastes says:
    July 20, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    […] https://sweetphi.com/whole-bowl-tali-sauce-recipe-naturally-gluten-free/ I LOVE Tali sauce. Like will you please be the mother of my child, put you on everything, get up on the soap box and preach kind of love. Phi’s Southwestern-inspired bowl is yummy, satisfying, and worth trying. However, while I’ve made the sauce 1000X, I’ve only made the bowl once. Notes on other ahmaze bases to top off with Tali goodness: >tofu scramble with spinach and mushrooms >>>scrambling tofu: slice and press out the water with a paper or dish towel, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat, add the tofu and break up into scrambled egg sized chucks with your spatula. Cook for 5m then add the mushrooms. When the shrooms are cooked to your liking, add the spinach and cook until just wilted. Meanwhile season this to your mood. I’ll often go for some combo of paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, a dash of tamari (soy sauce)*, and, of course, S&P. *PSA: curry powder + soy sauce is a surprisingly dope combo.  ??‍♀️                               the wellness goddess @gwynethpaltrow for that discovery. >quinoa/brown rice mix with roasted chickpeas and veggies (fave collection: sweet potato, onion, mushroom, and bell pepper) >>>roasted chickpeas + veggies: set oven to 450*F. Drain, rinse, and DRY a can of chickpeas and place on one baking sheet. Cut and place all your veggos on a single baking sheet. Coat everything with a little olive oil then rub in paprika, turmeric, slightly less curry powder, and a baby bit of cayenne. Pop those babies in the oven, flip after about 10m, then cook until you’re happy with their status (probs another 10-15m). I like my sweet potato rings and chickpeas to be crispy af, so I tend to leave them in a beet longer. >spinach or kale salad w/ avo and protein of choice […]

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    August 6, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    […] Below is the recipe – I’ve gotten such great feedback that I did another post on this Tali sauce with some more pictures here! […]

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    June 5, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    […] favorite vegetarian dishes from The Whole Bowl is, so I’m a little biased. The Whole Bowl (a recipe I had to recreate after my first trip is actually one of my most popular recipes) was just as […]

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The Whole Bowl - Tali Sauce Recipe (Gluten Free)

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