Black Bean Burrito Bowl with Brown Rice, Salsa, and Avocado
Popularity4.0
Taste Score:9/10
A vibrant and wholesome meal in a bowl! Fluffy cilantro-lime brown rice is topped with seasoned black beans, fresh pico de gallo, sweet corn, and creamy avocado for a satisfying and healthy vegan lunch or dinner.
About This Black Bean Burrito Bowl with Brown Rice, Salsa, and Avocado Recipe
A vibrant and wholesome meal in a bowl! Fluffy cilantro-lime brown rice is topped with seasoned black beans, fresh pico de gallo, sweet corn, and creamy avocado for a satisfying and healthy vegan lunch or dinner.
This fusion recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 389.22 calories per serving with 10.92g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the cumin powder and red chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds.
Add the cooked black beans and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mash about a quarter of the beans with the back of a spoon to create a creamy texture.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
4
Make the fresh salsa (Pico de Gallo)
In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely diced onion, minced green chili, and half of the chopped coriander leaves.
Add 1 tablespoon of lime juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Mix well and let it sit for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
5
Finish the rice and prepare toppings
Fluff the cooked brown rice with a fork.
Gently stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice and the rest of the chopped coriander leaves.
Steam or boil the corn kernels until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain well.
Slice or mash the avocado.
6
Assemble the burrito bowls
Divide the cilantro-lime brown rice evenly among four bowls.
Top with a generous portion of the seasoned black beans.
Add the fresh salsa, steamed corn, and sliced avocado.
If using, add a handful of shredded lettuce to each bowl.
Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Pro Tips
1For a quicker meal, you can use canned black beans. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
2Meal prep this bowl by storing the rice, beans, corn, and salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3Don't add the avocado until you're ready to serve to prevent it from browning.
4Feel free to add other toppings like roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
5To add a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the black beans along with the other spices.
Recipe Variations
quick
Quick
Use canned black beans (rinsed) and a pouch of pre-cooked brown rice to make this bowl in under 15 minutes.
high protein
High protein
Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or crumbled pan-fried tofu to each bowl for an extra protein boost.
low carb
Low carb
Substitute the brown rice with cauliflower rice. Sauté the cauliflower rice with lime juice and cilantro for a similar flavor profile.
kid friendly
Kid friendly
Omit the red chili powder from the beans and the green chili from the salsa to make it non-spicy for kids.
Health Benefits
✨
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
🌾
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of brown rice and black beans provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and keeping you full longer.
❤️
Source of Healthy Fats
Avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
✨
Packed with Complex Carbs
Brown rice offers complex carbohydrates that provide a steady release of energy, unlike the sharp spikes associated with refined grains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Black Bean Burrito Bowl healthy?
Yes, it is a very healthy and balanced meal. It's packed with plant-based protein and fiber from the black beans, complex carbohydrates from the brown rice, and healthy fats from the avocado. The fresh salsa adds vitamins and antioxidants.
How many calories are in this burrito bowl?
One serving of this Black Bean Burrito Bowl contains approximately 450-500 calories, making it a substantial and nutritious meal for lunch or dinner.
Can I make this for meal prep?
Absolutely! This bowl is perfect for meal prep. Store the cooked rice, beans, corn, and salsa in separate containers. Assemble just before eating and add fresh avocado.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
