Veggie Rice Bowl Cajun Spices (Printable version)
Hearty rice bowl with colorful vegetables and bold Cajun spices, perfect for a quick satisfying meal.
# What you'll need:
→ Rice Base
01 - 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 small red onion, diced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
10 - 1 cup corn kernels
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Cajun Spice Blend
12 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
13 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
14 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
15 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
18 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
19 - 1 teaspoon salt
→ Garnishes
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
22 - 1 avocado, sliced
# Directions:
01 - Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender and water is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes for white rice or 35-40 minutes for brown rice. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in corn and black beans, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
04 - Sprinkle the Cajun spice mix evenly over the vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
05 - Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until just softened.
06 - Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
07 - Add cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spice blend hits that perfect smoky sweet spot that makes you forget you are eating something healthy
- Everything comes together in one pan while the rice cooks, so minimal cleanup
- You can swap any vegetables based on what is wilting in your fridge right now
02 -
- The spice mix might look like a lot but it is what transforms simple vegetables into something crave worthy, do not be shy with it
- Wait until the vegetables are cooked before adding the spice blend or the spices can burn and turn bitter
- Cherry tomatoes go in at the very end because they release water and can make everything soggy if cooked too long
03 -
- Toast your rice in a dry pan for a couple minutes before adding water, it adds a subtle nutty depth
- Double the spice blend and keep the extra in a jar for future bowls, roasted vegetables or even popcorn