Brown Rice Bowl with Black Beans, Avocado and Cotija Cheese
Brown Rice Bowl with Black Beans, Avocado and Cotija Cheese
Throughout the week, I find myself home late, hungry and in desperate need to get food on the table fast. Those nights are especially great for whipping up a quick and healthy rice bowl with brown rice, canned black beans, avocado and Cotija cheese, a few kitchen staples I never go without. However, the best thing about a rice bowl is that anything goes, so get creative, empty your fridge and cupboards, and have fun! Food will be ready in no time!
Yield: 4 – 6
Oven: N/A
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small shallot roughly chopped, approximately 2 tablespoons
2 cups brown rice
3 1/2 cups water
kosher salt, as desired
2, 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 avocados, cubed
4-ounces (1/2 cup) crumbled Cotija cheese
2 limes, quartered
Method:
1. In a medium saucepan with a tight fitting lid over medium – high heat, add vegetable oil and allow to heat, approximately 1 minute. Add shallots and allow to cook until translucent, approximately 2 minutes. Add rice and stir to coat. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Stir one last time before covering and reducing temperature to low. Allow to cook while covered until moisture has been absorbed and rice is cooked, approximately 30 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and allow to sit while covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set to the side.
3. In a medium size bowl, add black beans, cumin, cayenne pepper and green onions. Stir to combine.
4. To serve, in four serving bowls, add rice, beans, fresh avocado, Cotija cheese and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to finish.
Kitchen Note: Feel free to add fresh tomatoes, cilantro and even sour cream as an additional garnish.