Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and easy to make? Look no further than these vibrant Bean and Rice Bowls! Bursting with flavors and textures, this Mexican-inspired dish is the perfect way to elevate your weeknight dinner. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can create a colorful feast that not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body. Whether you're a busy professional or a home cook looking for a quick meal, these bowls are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to dive into a world of wholesome goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
- Bring the rice to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the black beans. In a separate skillet, warm the rinsed and drained black beans over medium heat. Sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- If using frozen corn, heat it in a small pan or microwave until warm. If using fresh corn, you can briefly sauté it to enhance its flavor.
- Dice the avocado into small, uniform cubes. To prevent browning, you can toss the avocado with a little lime juice.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it rest for 5 minutes to release excess steam.
- Assemble the bowls by dividing the rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with black beans, corn, diced avocado, and a generous spoonful of salsa.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while the rice and beans are still warm.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Rice: To ensure your brown rice turns out fluffy and tender, remember to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. This simple step can make a big difference in texture!
- Seasoning the Beans: Don’t skip the spices! Adding cumin, salt, and pepper to your black beans enhances their flavor and makes them a delicious complement to the other ingredients in the bowl.
- Fresh Corn Flavor: If you’re using fresh corn, sautéing it briefly in a pan can bring out its natural sweetness and add a delightful crunch to your bowls. If using frozen corn, a quick heat-up in the microwave will do the trick!
- Prevent Avocado Browning: To keep your diced avocado looking fresh and vibrant, toss it with a bit of lime juice right after cutting. This not only prevents browning but also adds a zesty kick!
- Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to get creative! Add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream to personalize your bowls and make them even more delicious.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the bowls immediately while everything is still warm. The contrast of hot rice and beans with cool, fresh toppings is simply irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
