Veggie Rice Bowl Cajun Spices (Print Page)
Colorful vegetables and Cajun spices blend with rice for a vibrant, hearty meal ready in 40 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Rice Base
01 - 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 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, fresh or frozen
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 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
18 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
19 - 1 teaspoon salt
→ Garnishes
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
22 - 1 avocado, sliced
# Directions:
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—15-18 minutes for white rice or 35-40 minutes for brown. Fluff with fork and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté 5-6 minutes until softened and edges begin to brown.
03 - Stir in black beans and corn kernels. Cook 2-3 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
04 - Sprinkle Cajun spice mixture evenly over vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat and cook 2 minutes, allowing spices to bloom and meld with vegetables.
05 - Fold in cherry tomatoes and cook 1-2 minutes until just softened but still holding their shape. Remove from heat.
06 - Divide cooked rice among four serving bowls. Top each portion generously with the spiced vegetable mixture.
07 - Finish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado. Serve immediately while vegetables are still warm, squeezing lime over bowl before eating.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice blend creates layers of flavor that make every bite exciting
- It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
- Don't be tempted to add the spices earlier in the cooking process or they'll burn and turn bitter
- The lime squeeze isn't optional it's what pulls all the flavors together
03 -
- Toast your rice in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding water for nuttier flavor
- Double the spice blend and store the extra in an airtight container for future recipes