Veggie Rice Bowl Cajun Spices (Printable version)

A vibrant bowl combining rice, fresh vegetables, and bold Cajun spices for a satisfying meal.

# What you'll need:

→ Rice Base

01 - 1 cup long-grain rice (white or brown)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 small red onion, chopped
08 - 1 zucchini, diced
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

→ Cajun Spice Blend

12 - 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1 tsp garlic powder
14 - 1 tsp onion powder
15 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
16 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
17 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
18 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
19 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Garnishes

20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
22 - Optional: 1 avocado, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onion; sauté for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
03 - Add zucchini and sauté for another 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still retain some crunch.
04 - Stir in cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Sprinkle the Cajun spice blend over the vegetables. Toss well and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
05 - Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the sautéed vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of all components.
06 - Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado if desired. Serve immediately while vegetables are still warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its that perfect sweet spot between hearty and light, leaving you satisfied but not stuffed
  • The spice blend hits all the right notes without overwhelming the vegetables natural flavors
02 -
  • Dont skip rinsing the rice, it makes all the difference between fluffy and gummy
  • Let your skillet get properly hot before adding vegetables, you want that sear not a steam
03 -
  • Mix up a double batch of the Cajun spice blend and store it in a jar for future recipes
  • Let the vegetables get some color, that slight char adds incredible depth

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