Mardi Gras Veggie Rice Bowl (Print)
A vibrant bowl of rice, mixed veggies, beans, and Cajun flavors for a hearty, flavorful dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
09 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
10 - 2 cups vegetable broth
→ Beans
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
# How-To Steps:
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 for white rice or 35-40 minutes for brown rice until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion, sliced celery, and the three colors of bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and onion becomes translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until spices become fragrant and garlic is aromatic, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add drained black beans, kidney beans, corn kernels, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and cook for 4-5 minutes until everything is heated through and tomatoes begin to soften.
05 - Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Spoon the vegetable and bean mixture over the rice, creating a colorful presentation with the Mardi Gras colors visible.
06 - Top each bowl with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side, allowing diners to add heat and acidity to taste.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It captures the festive Mardi Gras spirit without needing a single piece of meat
- The rainbow of vegetables makes every bowl feel like confetti in a bowl
- Leftovers taste even better after the spices have time to really mingle
02 -
- Cajun seasoning brands vary wildly in salt content, so always taste your vegetable mixture before adding more salt
- The lime wedge isn't optional, that acidity cuts through the spices and makes all the flavors pop
03 -
- Prep all your vegetables before you start cooking, the sautéing goes quickly once you begin
- Taste your Cajun seasoning blend first so you know how much extra salt you actually need