Veggie Rice Bowl Cajun Spices (Print Version)
A colorful rice bowl featuring fresh vegetables and bold Cajun spices for a flavorful meal.
# What You Need:
→ Rice Base
01 - 1 cup long-grain rice, white or brown
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Fresh Vegetables
04 - 1 tbsp 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
→ Beans and Corn
10 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
→ Cajun Spice Blend
12 - 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1 tsp garlic powder
14 - 1 tsp onion powder
15 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
16 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
17 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
18 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
19 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Garnishes
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
22 - 1 avocado, sliced, optional
# Directions:
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 to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
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 onions begin to soften and peppers start to blister.
03 - Add diced zucchini to the skillet. Continue sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the skillet. Sprinkle the entire Cajun spice blend evenly over vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat everything with spices. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and fragrant. Taste and adjust cayenne if desired.
05 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each portion with a generous amount of the spiced vegetable mixture.
06 - Scatter fresh cilantro over each bowl. Arrange lime wedges on the side. Add sliced avocado if using. Serve immediately while hot, squeezing lime juice over the bowl just before eating.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under 40 minutes with mostly pantry staples
- The spice blend hits that perfect balance between smoky and just enough heat
02 -
- Do not skip rinsing the rice or it will turn out gummy
- Let the Cajun spices cook with the vegetables for at least 2 minutes to remove any raw taste
03 -
- Mix up a double batch of the Cajun spice blend and store it in a jar
- Let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking for the fluffiest texture