Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines vibrant Mexican flavors with wholesome ingredients? Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with these Fall Mexican Rice Bowls that will tantalize your taste buds and make your dinner routine anything but boring! Packed with nutritious brown rice, protein-rich black beans, and a colorful medley of vegetables, this recipe is not just a meal—it's an experience that brings the warmth of Mexican cuisine right to your dining table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 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 approximately 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper into small, uniform cubes and set aside. Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the corn and diced red bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they are lightly charred and heated through.
- Add the black beans to the skillet, sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the beans and blend the flavors.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice and gently mix.
- Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Divide the rice among four serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with the corn, bell pepper, and black bean mixture. Garnish with fresh diced avocado.
- Drizzle additional lime juice over each bowl and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Rinse your brown rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains. Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio for ideal texture.
- Flavor Boost: Toast your cumin briefly in the skillet before adding other ingredients to enhance its nutty, aromatic qualities.
- Avocado Freshness: Dice the avocado at the last minute to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant green color and creamy texture.
- Customization: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make the bowl more substantial.
- Meal Prep Hack: Cook extra rice and vegetable mixture to create quick lunches throughout the week.
- Lime Tip: Roll your lime on the counter before squeezing to release more juice and maximize flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
