Veggie Rice Bowl Cajun Spices (Printable Version)

Hearty rice with sautéed vegetables and zesty Cajun spices for a flavorful, wholesome meal.

# What You Need:

→ Rice Base

01 - 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - ½ 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 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
18 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
19 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Garnishes

20 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
22 - 1 avocado, sliced

# How To Make:

01 - Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed. 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 2-3 minutes until heated through.
04 - Sprinkle the Cajun spice blend evenly over vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
05 - Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until just softened.
06 - Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each portion with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
07 - Top with cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its a complete meal in one bowl that comes together in under 45 minutes
  • The Cajun spice blend transforms ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary
  • You can easily customize the vegetables based on whats in your fridge
02 -
  • Resist the urge to add the cherry tomatoes early, or theyll turn mushy and lose their bright pop
  • Let the spices cook with the vegetables for at least 2 minutes to develop that deep, melded flavor
  • The rice continues to steam after cooking, so fluff it gently with a fork to release excess moisture
03 -
  • Cook rice a day ahead and refrigerate it for better texture and quicker assembly
  • Double the Cajun spice blend and store the extra in an airtight container for future recipes
  • Let the vegetables get some golden color in the skillet before adding spices for deeper flavor

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