Craving a mouthwatering meal that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make? Get ready to transform your dinner game with this show-stopping One Pot Vegan Southwest Rice! Packed with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, this plant-based wonder delivers a knockout combination of hearty brown rice, protein-rich black beans, and colorful vegetables that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a seasoned vegan, a busy home cook, or just someone who loves incredible food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the red bell pepper and onion, mincing the garlic, and draining and rinsing the black beans and corn.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or vegetable broth to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly softened and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the brown rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add the drained black beans and corn, stirring gently to combine and heat through.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or sliced avocado.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Toast your rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Liquid Ratio: Make sure to use the correct vegetable broth amount to ensure your rice cooks perfectly without becoming dry or soggy.
- Spice Control: Adjust chili powder and cumin to your preferred heat level - start conservatively and add more if needed.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or diced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to add extra plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for more substance.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and recently purchased spices will significantly boost the overall flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
