Cilantro Lime Rice and Veggie Bowls

If you're looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, then you’ll love Cilantro Lime Rice & Colorful Veggie Bowls. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes with its array of colors, but it also offers a harmonious blend of flavors that make it a perfect meal for any time of the day. The bright, zesty notes of lime paired with the fresh, herbaceous taste of cilantro create a refreshing base that complements a variety of vegetables, making each bite a delightful experience.

Cilantro Lime Rice and Veggie Bowls

Discover the vibrant world of Cilantro Lime Rice & Colorful Veggie Bowls! This dish beautifully combines the refreshing zest of lime and the herbaceous goodness of cilantro with a medley of colorful vegetables. It's nutritious, versatile, and perfect for any diet. Whether you stick to the suggested veggies or mix in your favorites, each bowl promises a delightful blend of flavors and health benefits. Enjoy the simple preparation and endless customization to create a meal that excites your taste buds!

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Ingredients

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Juice of 1 lime

Zest of 1 lime

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

For the Veggie Bowls:

1 cup black beans, canned, rinsed, and drained

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil, for drizzling

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice:

- Start by rinsing the long-grain white rice under cold running water until the water appears clear, which helps remove excess starch.

- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the rinsed rice and toast it lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

- Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes until it's tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

- After cooking, remove the pan from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before mixing in the lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and season with salt according to your taste. Set aside to keep warm.

Prepare the Colorful Veggies:

- In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it turns translucent and fragrant.

- Next, incorporate the diced red bell pepper, corn, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Cook this veggie medley for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender yet retain their vibrant colors.

- Finally, stir in the black beans and cook for another 2 minutes until they are warmed through. Remove the skillet from heat.

Assemble Your Bowls:

- Choose four serving bowls and start by layering a generous portion of cilantro lime rice at the bottom of each.

- Spoon the sautéed veggie mixture over the rice, then artfully arrange the diced avocado and halved cherry tomatoes on top.

- For an added touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the bowls, and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of citrus.

Enjoy:

- Serve these vibrant and nutrient-packed bowls warm, and delight in the bright flavors that create a delicious and satisfying meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4