Vegetarian Mexican Fried Rice
An easy-to-make, vibrant, and flavorful dish that brings together the hearty goodness of vegetables, beans, and rice with the zest of Mexican spices. Perfect for a wholesome vegetarian lunch or dinner, this dish is not only filling but also a delight for the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a cozy meal, this Vegetarian Mexican Fried Rice is guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Rajma (Large Kidney Beans) | 1 cup (soaked and boiled) |
| Sweet corn | 1 cup (boiled) |
| Onion | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Tomato | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (minced) |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Tomato Ketchup | 2 tablespoons (or tomato puree) |
| Vinegar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper (or red chili powder) | 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Calcium | 40mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4
Cuisine:
- Mexican
Course:
- Lunch / Dinner
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the ingredients:
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the rice is cooked and the beans are soaked and boiled ahead of time. If you haven’t already, chop the onion, tomato, and green bell pepper, and mince the garlic. -
-
Cook the garlic and onions:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 3 tablespoons of butter over high flame. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. -
Add vegetables:
To the pan, add the finely chopped green bell pepper and tomato. Stir well and let them cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and meld together. -
Mix in the beans and corn:
Next, add the boiled sweet corn and rajma (kidney beans) to the pan. Stir everything together so that the vegetables, beans, and corn are evenly mixed. -
Season the mixture:
Season the dish with salt to taste, cayenne pepper (or red chili powder), tomato ketchup (or puree), and a dash of vinegar. Stir all the ingredients well and cook for an additional 3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and intensify. -
Add the rice:
Finally, add the cooked rice to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure the rice is well coated with the vegetable and seasoning mixture. Allow it to cook for 2 more minutes to ensure everything is heated through. -
Serve:
Your Vegetarian Mexican Fried Rice is ready to serve! For a complete meal, serve it with a side of Bean Spinach and Corn Quesadillas or your favorite Mexican-inspired dish. Pair it with a refreshing glass of wine for a perfect weekend lunch or dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Vegetarian Mexican Fried Rice:
- Rice: Use freshly cooked rice or day-old rice for the best texture in fried rice. Cold rice tends to hold its shape better and prevents clumping.
- Adjust spice levels: Depending on your spice tolerance, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or red chili powder to suit your taste.
- Add extra veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots, peas, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and add color to the dish.
- Make it vegan: For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or any plant-based butter.
This Vegetarian Mexican Fried Rice is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold, exciting flavors of Mexican cuisine without the meat. It’s a simple, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or enjoying a relaxed weekend lunch. Whether you’re a fan of rice dishes or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
