Mardi Gras Veggie Rice Bowl (Printable)
A vibrant bowl packed with colorful veggies, Cajun spices, and hearty beans for a flavorful, nourishing meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
02 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
→ Rice & Beans
09 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
10 - 2 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
12 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Spices & Seasonings
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
15 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
17 - 1/2 tsp salt
18 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Garnishes
19 - 2 green onions, sliced
20 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
21 - Hot sauce to taste
22 - Lime wedges for serving
# Directions:
01 - Combine rice and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced celery, and all three colors of bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5–6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and onions turn translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until spices become fragrant and garlic is lightly golden.
04 - Add drained black beans, kidney beans, corn kernels, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine with seasoned vegetables. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are heated through and tomatoes are slightly softened.
05 - Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the vegetable and bean mixture, arranging it over the rice base.
06 - Sprinkle sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley over each bowl. Serve immediately with hot sauce and lime wedges on the side, allowing guests to adjust heat and acidity to their preference.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The colors alone make you feel alive, but the real magic is how Cajun spices transform humble vegetables into something extraordinary
- Its that rare crowd pleasing meal that happens to be naturally gluten free and protein packed without even trying
02 -
- Never skip rinsing your beans or the liquid will turn everything muddy and unappetizing
- Let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking, and each grain will separate perfectly instead of clumping
03 -
- Chop all vegetables to roughly the same size so everything cooks evenly and looks beautiful in the bowl
- Invest in a good Cajun seasoning blend or make your own because cheap ones taste mostly like salt and disappointment