Mexican Rice Bowls

A couple of weeks ago, I took a friend to a nearby locally owned restaurant and ordered a rice bowl.  A relatively simple concept, the rice bowl was delicious: brown rice topped by a spicy meat topping, sauteed spinach and small diced sweet potato cubes.  Made with fresh ingredients, this could also be quite healthy.  This got me to thinking about creating a slightly healthier version of my Chipotle-style burrito bowl, by adding sauteed spinach and controlling the quality of ingredients.

The concept of a rice bowl is pretty simple: a base of hot cooked rice, topped with your choice of fully seasoned protein and veggies, and a zesty topping to make it all come together.  I usually make a pot of brown rice enough for 2-3 meals, and have some available to reheat for busy nights. Black beans can be a homemade recipe made previously, or seasoned canned beans.  I like Goya or Trader Joe’s Cuban black beans which have a nice cumin flavor. If you use leftover chicken (or ground beef mixed with taco seasoning) this can be assembled really quickly. I like putting the prepared dishes in the counter and allow each person to assemble their own rice bowl buffet style.  Just be sure not to eat too much.

Mexican Rice Bowls
serves about 4

2 cups cooked brown rice
2 chicken breasts
Taco seasoning
Olive oil for cooking chicken
1 can (16 oz.) seasoned black beans
1 recipe sauteed spinach

tomato and avocado relish:
2 plum tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 ripe but firm avocado, peeled and diced
2 T red onion, finely chopped
2 T cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 cup prepared salsa

Season the chicken breasts with salt and taco seasoning and cook in a medium high grill pan with a bit of olive oil (a regular frying pan will work).  Cook thoroughly and cut into cubes.  Meanwhile in a large bowl, place all of the tomato and avocado relish ingredients and mix well. Set aside. Saute the spinach and season with garlic powder and salt. Assemble each rice bowl by placing hot rice in the bottom of the bowl, then topping with spinach, black beans, chicken, and finally with the tomato and avocado relish.  Serve.

see the recipe index for more personally-tested recipes
see the top posts index for more posts on personal finance and frugal living

see other recipes at Tempt MyTummy Tuesday and $5 Dinners and Grocery Cart Challenge