Veggie Rice Bowl Cajun Spices (Printable)
Colorful veggie and rice bowl infused with bold Cajun spices. Quick, hearty, and flavorful meal option.
# What You'll Need:
→ Rice Base
01 - 1 cup long-grain rice (white or brown)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ 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
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 the rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onion; sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
03 - Add zucchini and sauté for another 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender-crisp.
04 - Stir in cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Sprinkle the Cajun spice blend over the vegetables. Toss well and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
05 - To assemble, divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
06 - Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its those weeknight hero meals that somehow taste better than anything you could order in
- The spice blend works on literally any vegetables you have sitting around
02 -
- The spice blend needs those few minutes of cooking time to really bloom or it'll taste raw and powdery
- Don't crowd your pan or you'll steam the vegetables instead of getting those caramelized edges
03 -
- Toast your spice blend in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to vegetables and notice the difference immediately
- Cut all your vegetables to roughly the same size so they finish cooking at the same time