Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen? Introducing the Mexican Rice Rainbow Bowls—a colorful and nutritious dish that not only pleases the palate but also dazzles the eyes! Packed with wholesome ingredients like brown rice, black beans, and fresh veggies, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful meal prep option. Get ready to savor every bite and impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Don't miss out—let's dive into this rainbow of flavors!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the brown rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed brown rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the bell pepper into small, even pieces and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans and corn. You can use canned corn or frozen corn that has been thawed. Mix well to combine.
- Once the rice has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large serving bowl or individual bowls.
- Layer the black bean and corn mixture over the rice, followed by the diced bell pepper. This adds a vibrant color to your bowl.
- Next, slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and carefully scoop out the flesh. Slice the avocado into thin pieces and arrange them on top of the bowl.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the entire bowl to add a zesty flavor and prevent the avocado from browning.
- Finally, garnish the bowls with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mexican Rice Rainbow Bowls!
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing your brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This simple step ensures your rice turns out fluffy and not gummy.
- Perfect Cooking Ratio: Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio when cooking brown rice for the best texture. For every cup of brown rice, add two cups of water.
- Prep While Cooking: Save time by prepping your veggies while the rice is simmering. Dice the bell pepper and mix the black beans and corn together for a colorful medley.
- Layer for Presentation: When assembling your bowls, layer the ingredients beautifully. Start with the rice, then add the bean and corn mixture, followed by the bell pepper and avocado for a stunning visual appeal.
- Add Zest: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the assembled bowls not only enhances flavor but also helps keep the avocado looking fresh and vibrant.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the cilantro! A generous sprinkle adds a fresh burst of flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize your bowls! Add other toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg