Rice bowls are a wonderful, hearty and healthy alternative to soups and stews - and much easier to make! Truthfully, I hadn't understood all the fuss. Not long ago I went to visit a new healthy fast food restaurant that recently opened up in my town for an article I was writing. As I sat down with the owner to talk to him he ordered a couple of items for me to try; one of which was the rice bowl. Made with brown rice, some cheese, it was topped off with avocado, cilantro, corn, black beans and grape tomatoes with a lime wedge and fiery barbecue sauce. It was outstanding. I loved it so much, in fact, that I ordered it several more times.(My review is here.) I decided that this was a dish that could very easily be replicated at home. It was incredibly easy to do and is perfect for those nights when you want something healthy, hearty and are pressed for time. The rice was the most time consuming to cook requiring just over 20 minutes. While it was cooking I was able to get all the other ingredients ready. And in under half an hour our dinner was made.

Recipe serves 4 

*Ingredients:
4 cups of cooked brown rice 
1 cup of white corn
2 cups of cooked broccoli florets (We substituted the tomatoes for these)
1 cup of canned red kidney beans
1 cup of canned black kidney beans
2 cups of cooked grilled or rotisserie chicken - This is a great way to use leftover protein. Avocado, steak or shrimp can be used instead)
1/2 cup of aged cheddar cheese, shredded
I/4 cup of julienned cilantro
1 lime cut into 4 wedges
Barbecue sauce to taste
Optional: Sriracha sauce to taste

Directions:
Cook the brown rice per directions on the package. 
While the rice is cooking drain and rinse the beans, set aside. 
Cook the broccoli to desired consistency - about 3-5 minutes - set aside.
Cook the corn (microwave if frozen - We love Trader Joe's white corn) and set aside.
When the rice is done cooking add the cheese and mix well until the cheese is all blended.
Divide rice into 4 servings and place into bowls.
Arrange the toppings on to the rice in sections
Drizzle some barbecue sauce over the veggies and place the lime wedge in the center of each bowl. Offer the sriracha to those interested.

*Feel free to play around with the ingredients
Also, quinoa can be substituted for the rice for those not wanting to eat grains.

#eatcolorfully!