Veggie Rice Bowl Cajun Spices (Printable)
A colorful rice bowl with fresh veggies and bold Cajun spices for a flavorful, easy 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 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 small red onion, chopped
08 - 1 zucchini, diced
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
→ Cajun Spice Blend
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
13 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
14 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
17 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
18 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
19 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Garnishes
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
22 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Set aside covered.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced bell peppers and chopped onion. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables begin to soften and edges start to caramelize.
03 - Add diced zucchini to the skillet. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is just tender but still retains some crunch. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the skillet. Sprinkle the prepared Cajun spice blend evenly over the vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients with spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and fragrant, stirring gently to avoid mashing the beans.
05 - Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the spiced vegetable mixture, ensuring an even distribution of all vegetables and beans.
06 - Finish each bowl with fresh chopped cilantro and a lime wedge. Add sliced avocado if using. Serve immediately while hot, squeezing lime juice over the bowl just before eating to brighten the flavors.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in under 45 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
- The spice blend is customizable, so you control exactly how much heat you want
- Perfect for meal prep, the flavors actually get better overnight
02 -
- Don't overcrowd your pan when cooking vegetables, or they'll steam instead of sauté, work in batches if necessary
- The spice blend can be made in bulk and stored in a jar for future use, it's perfect on roasted potatoes or grilled tofu too
03 -
- Toast your rice in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding water, it adds a subtle nutty depth
- Let the spice blend sit for a week before using, the flavors meld together and become more complex