Savory Vegan Mexican Rice Bowl
Indulge in this vibrant and nutritious Savory Vegan Mexican Rice Bowl, packed with an array of colorful vegetables and wholesome ingredients. Harnessing the goodness of rice, beans, and a medley of veggies, this one-dish meal is perfect for a hearty dinner or a fulfilling lunch. With its earthy spices and bold flavors, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body—providing two full servings of veggies in every helping! Perfect for meal prep, this delightful recipe is sure to become a favorite in your plant-based repertoire.
4
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice
2 cups (Rinsed and drained)
Frozen Mixed Veggies (beans, corn, carrots, peas)
1/2 cup (No preparation needed, use straight from the package)
Mushroom
1/2 cup (Cut into large pieces)
Oil
1 teaspoon (For frying)
Bell Pepper (green and red)
1/2 cup (Diced)
Serrano Pepper
1 (Finely chopped)
White Onion
1/2 (Diced)
Jeera Powder (Cumin)
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Taco Seasoning
3 teaspoons (Store-bought or homemade)
Vegetable Bouillon Cube
1 (Crumbled)
Salt
To taste (To season)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear; this helps to remove excess starch.
2
Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
3
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the diced onion and finely chopped serrano pepper.
4
Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and lightly browned.
5
Stir in the jeera powder (cumin) and allow it to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
6
Next, add the mushroom pieces and the frozen mixed veggies (beans, corn, carrots, peas) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
7
Crumble in the vegetable bouillon cube and continue to cook without adding any water for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
8
Season with salt to taste and give the mixture a good stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
9
Gently fold in the cooked rice, making sure all ingredients are well combined.
10
Finally, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top and mix lightly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning if needed.
11
Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro or avocado slices, if desired.
Nutrition Information
37.5g
Carbs
4.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Vegan Mexican Rice Bowl?
It is a vibrant, nutritious one-dish plant-based meal featuring rice, beans, and a medley of colorful vegetables seasoned with earthy Mexican spices.
Is this recipe strictly vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan and uses plant-based ingredients like vegetable bouillon and varied vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What are the nutritional highlights of this dish?
Each serving contains about 200 calories, 37.5g of carbohydrates, and 4.5g of fiber, providing two full servings of vegetables.
What kind of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of rice; you can use white rice, jasmine, or basmati, though brown rice can be substituted if cooked according to its specific package instructions.
Why do I need to rinse the rice?
Rinsing the rice under cold water until clear helps remove excess starch, ensuring the rice is fluffy and the grains stay separate.
Which vegetables are included in the frozen mix?
The recommended frozen mixed veggie blend includes beans, corn, carrots, and peas.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The mushrooms should be cleaned and cut into large pieces to maintain texture in the bowl.
What is Jeera powder?
Jeera powder is ground cumin, which provides a warm, earthy flavor essential for Mexican-style dishes.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of finely chopped serrano pepper.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The diced white onion should be sautéed for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and lightly browned.
Do I need to add water when cooking the vegetables in the skillet?
No, the vegetables should be cooked without adding water for 5-7 minutes to maintain their texture and concentrated flavor.
What is the purpose of the vegetable bouillon cube?
The crumbled bouillon cube acts as a concentrated seasoning base that infuses the vegetables with savory depth.
When do I add the taco seasoning?
The taco seasoning is sprinkled over the top at the very end of the cooking process after the rice has been folded in.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prep as it holds its flavor well and can be easily portioned for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Can I add extra protein to this bowl?
Absolutely. While it already contains beans, you can add tofu, tempeh, or even extra black beans for a higher protein content.
What are the best garnishes for this Mexican Rice Bowl?
Freshly chopped cilantro and avocado slices are excellent choices for garnishing and adding freshness.
How much oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a minimal amount of oil—just 1 teaspoon for sautéing the aromatics.
Can I use fresh peppers instead of frozen mixed veggies?
The recipe already includes diced fresh bell peppers (1/2 cup) in addition to the frozen vegetable mix.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, always check your taco seasoning and vegetable bouillon labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this rice bowl be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze this dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes 4 servings, which typically amounts to a generous bowl per person.
How much taco seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning, which can be store-bought or homemade.
What should I do if the rice is too dry?
If the rice feels dry after mixing, you can add a small splash of water or vegetable broth and cover the skillet for a minute to steam.
Are there any allergens in this recipe?
This recipe is free from dairy, eggs, and meat. However, check your bouillon cube for potential soy or yeast allergens.
Can I substitute the white onion?
Yes, red onion or yellow onion can be used as a substitute for the white onion depending on your preference.
How many vegetables are in each serving?
Every helping provides two full servings of vegetables.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is designed to be an easy, one-dish meal with a total vegetable cook time of under 15 minutes once the rice is ready.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn kernels can be substituted for the frozen corn found in the mixed vegetable bag.