Spicy Brazilian Burrito Bowls
Try this Spicy Brazilian Burrito Bowls recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Spicy Brazilian Burrito Bowls recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- vegetable oil for frying
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- juice of 2 limes
- 1 1/2 cups white long grain rice uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups salsa (mild medium, or hot! you decide)
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- 2 14 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 teaspoons each chili powder and cumin
- 1/4 cup each oil and water
- 2-3 cloves garlic (less if you're sensitive to garlick
- 1/2 cup light sour cream or plain greek yogurt
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (i just used a bagged slaw mix)
- 4 green plantains
- Carbohydrate 41.3148734709548 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 8.19935527775111 g
- Fiber 3.44032632416432 g
- Protein 2.13064166639167 g
- Saturated Fat 0.708292226083514 g
- Serving Size 1 1 bowl (257g)
- Sodium 17.9561944415192 mg
- Sugar 37.8745471467905 g
- Trans Fat 0.413750809232532 g
- Calories 226 calories
Step-by-step
- Rice: Place the ingredients in a rice cooker and cook until done.
- Black Beans: Heat the black beans with the spices in a small saucepan until warmed through, adding a little water or oil as necessary. Keep heat on low to keep warm.
- Slaw: Pulse the oil, water, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, lime juice, and Greek yogurt in a food processor until mostly smooth. Toss the cabbage with enough sauce to coat - reserve the remaining sauce.
- Plantains: Peel the plantains and chop them into chunks about 1 inch wide. Pour enough oil into a heavy skillet so the plantains will be partially covered in oil. Preheat over medium high heat. Add the plantains, fry for a few minutes (you should see bubbles - if not, turn up the heat), flip and fry for a few more minutes, and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Smash them with the back of a wooden spoon until they break open slightly. Put back in the oil and fry for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate; sprinkle with salt. They should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, like French fries. :D
- Assembly: Serve a scoop of rice, beans, and slaw into the bowls. Add the plantains on top with a few cilantro leaves. Drizzle with extra sauce. DEVOUR.
My Spicy Brazilian Burrito Bowl Adventure: A Taste of Sunshine
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school runs, and endless to-do lists. But even amidst the chaos, I crave flavorful food that nourishes my body and satisfies my soul. That's where this Spicy Brazilian Burrito Bowl recipe comes in. It's a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures, a quick fix to those busy weeknights. Forget complicated recipes and endless prep times; this one is all about simple steps and maximum satisfaction.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I love how easily I can adjust the spice level to my liking. Sometimes I crave a milder, more subtle kick, while other days I want a fiery heat that awakens my senses. The beauty of choosing your own salsa level lets you perfectly tailor the dish to your taste. The combination of tender black beans, fluffy rice, crunchy plantains, and the creamy slaw is a symphony of flavors and textures that dances on your palate. It's a culinary adventure all packed into one bowl, easy enough to throw together on a Tuesday night but flavorful enough to impress guests on a weekend.
The vibrant colours are just as exciting as the taste. The deep green of the slaw, the golden brown of the perfectly fried plantains, and the rich brown of the black beans; it’s a feast for the eyes before it even hits your tongue. And the best part? It’s incredibly adaptable. I frequently swap out ingredients based on what I have on hand or what's in season. Sometimes I add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, other times I'll use different types of beans or throw in some roasted sweet potatoes for added sweetness and nutrients. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a foundation for culinary creativity.
The Ingredients: Simple yet Extraordinary
Let's talk about the ingredients. They're simple, readily available, and surprisingly affordable. The base of rice and beans is a powerhouse of carbohydrates and protein, providing sustainable energy throughout my busy days. The slaw, with its fresh herbs and a tangy lime dressing, adds a refreshing burst of coolness that perfectly balances the warmth of the spices. And don't even get me started on the plantains! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, they're a delightful textural contrast that elevates this bowl to another level. Each bite is a journey, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and crunchy.
More Than Just a Meal
This Spicy Brazilian Burrito Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s a reflection of my life. It's a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time to nourish myself, both physically and emotionally. And it's a dish that I can share with my family, creating memories and fostering connections around a table filled with vibrant flavors and laughter.
So next time you find yourself short on time but craving a burst of flavor, reach for this recipe. It's a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling energized and ready to conquer whatever the day throws your way. And remember, even a busy life can still embrace vibrant, healthy, and delicious food. Just grab a bowl, gather your ingredients, and let the flavors transport you to a sun-drenched Brazilian beach—even if only for a few moments.
Beyond the Bowl: Ideas for Variations
Feel free to experiment with this recipe and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even some leftover steak for a protein boost.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Tropical Twist: Add some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Creamy Delight: Instead of Greek yogurt, use sour cream or even a dollop of avocado for extra creaminess.
Enjoy your culinary adventure!
