Looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious meal that comes together quickly? This Chipotle Veg Rice Bowl Recipe is your new go-to for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Packed with smoky chipotle heat, fresh veggies, and hearty rice, it’s a bowl full of bold flavors and textures that will leave you feeling nourished and energized. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and spice.
Easy to customize, this dish can be whipped up on busy weeknights or prepped ahead for meal prep. Plus, it’s a colorful, Instagram-worthy plate that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ready to dive into a bowl of smoky, spicy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chipotle Veg Rice Bowl is a fantastic blend of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors that dance on your palate. The chipotle peppers infuse a rich, smoky heat that complements the sweetness of sautéed vegetables perfectly.
Best of all, it’s a one-bowl meal that’s loaded with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein from beans and fresh veggies.
It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your pantry or preferences. Whether you want to add some avocado for creaminess or a squeeze of lime to brighten it up, this recipe is a flexible canvas for your culinary creativity.
Plus, it’s easy to make gluten-free, vegan, and packed with wholesome ingredients — perfect for a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, corn kernels, shredded lettuce, vegan sour cream, or shredded cheese
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid (for cooking rice)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowl for serving
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the chipotle sauce: In a small bowl, mix the finely chopped chipotle peppers with the adobo sauce, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add bell pepper and zucchini: Toss in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Incorporate the chipotle sauce and beans: Stir the chipotle mixture into the skillet, coating the vegetables evenly. Add the drained black beans and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and gently fold everything together, making sure the chipotle sauce is evenly distributed.
- Finish with lime and cilantro: Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowl and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh, zesty finish.
- Serve warm: Spoon the chipotle veg rice into bowls and add any optional toppings you like, such as creamy avocado slices, crunchy corn, or a dollop of vegan sour cream.
Tips & Variations
Tip: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit the adobo sauce. You can always add more spice later!
Variation: Swap out black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas for a different texture and flavor profile.
Make it a meal prep star: Prepare the rice and veggies in advance and store them separately in airtight containers. Combine and reheat when ready to eat.
Extra protein: Add grilled tofu, tempeh, or shredded chicken for a non-vegetarian version.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 65 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Fat | 9 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.3 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This Chipotle Veg Rice Bowl is fantastic on its own but can be elevated with a few simple sides or additions. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy lime vinaigrette or a side of warm, homemade corn tortillas for scooping.
For a creamier texture, dollop some guacamole or vegan sour cream on top. If you love extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips over the bowl.
And don’t forget a refreshing drink, like iced hibiscus tea or a cucumber-lime agua fresca, to balance the smoky heat.
Want to explore more delicious recipes? Check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a comforting veggie side, or the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to add some zesty pickles alongside your meal.
For hearty protein options, try the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe to complement your veggie bowls.
Conclusion
The Chipotle Veg Rice Bowl is a delicious, wholesome meal that brings warmth and spice to your table without taking hours to prepare. Its smoky chipotle flavor paired with fresh vegetables and hearty black beans makes it a balanced dish that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.
This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it’s adaptable, easy to make in bulk, and endlessly customizable.
Give it a try and enjoy a bowl full of bold flavors and vibrant colors!
📖 Recipe Card: Chipotle Veg Rice Bowl
Description: A flavorful and spicy vegetable rice bowl inspired by chipotle flavors. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Cook the brown rice with water according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in bell pepper, corn, black beans, chipotle peppers, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Cook vegetables for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Mix cooked rice into the vegetable mixture and heat through.
- Season with salt, pepper, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Serve warm in bowls.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 60 g
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