Mardi Gras Veggie Rice Bowl (Print Version)
Colorful veggie rice bowl with Cajun spices, beans, and fresh garnishes for a hearty, easy 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
09 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for extra fiber)
10 - 2 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
→ 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 (check for gluten-free if required)
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
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Combine rice and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15–18 minutes for white rice or 35–40 minutes for brown rice until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff gently with a fork and set aside covered.
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 occasionally, 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. 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 slightly.
05 - Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Spoon the vegetable and bean mixture generously over the rice, ensuring each bowl receives a colorful mix of all ingredients.
06 - Sprinkle sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley over each bowl. Serve immediately with hot sauce available for those who prefer extra heat and fresh lime wedges for a bright, acidic finish.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The tricolor peppers make it look like confetti in a bowl
- Cajun spices transform simple beans into something extraordinary
- It comes together faster than you can say laissez les bons temps rouler
02 -
- Do not skip blooming the spices in hot oil, that step unlocks their full potential
- The vegetables should still have some crunch, not turn to mush
- Hot sauce quality matters more than you might think
03 -
- Prep all your vegetables before starting, this recipe moves fast once the heat is on
- Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning before adding the beans