Cajun Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

The Cajun Sweet Potato Rice Bowl is a delicious, nutrient-packed meal featuring roasted sweet potatoes, flavorful Cajun-seasoned rice, and a mix of fresh veggies.

This dish offers a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and texture, making it an excellent choice for meal prep, lunch, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Sweet Potatoes: Roasted with Cajun seasoning for a smoky, sweet kick.
• Rice: The base of the dish, infused with spices for extra flavor.
• Veggies: A mix of bell peppers, onions, and greens add texture and nutrition.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cajun Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Bowl Assembly

• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup corn (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Cajun Rice

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add rice, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, stirring to toast the rice slightly.
4. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

1. Divide the cooked Cajun rice into bowls.
2. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, and avocado.
3. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Serve & Enjoy

• Serve warm with an extra dash of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for spice lovers!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~380
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~65g
• Protein: ~8g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Make It Crunchy: Top with roasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately and assemble before serving.

FAQs

Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes! Substitute cooked quinoa for a higher-protein option.

How long does this dish stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
• Freezing: Freeze the rice and roasted sweet potatoes separately for up to 2 months.

Substitutions & Variations

• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Add a drizzle of cashew or tahini dressing.
• Tropical Twist: Add diced pineapple for a sweet contrast.

Cajun Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

The **Cajun Sweet Potato Rice Bowl** is a delicious, nutrient-packed meal featuring roasted sweet potatoes, flavorful Cajun-seasoned rice, and a mix of fresh veggies.

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Equipment

• - Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Large skillet or saucepan
• - Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes**
• - 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• #### **For the Cajun Rice**
• - 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
• - 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• - 1/2 small onion finely chopped
• - 1/2 red bell pepper diced
• - 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
• #### **For the Bowl Assembly**
• - 1/2 cup black beans drained and rinsed
• - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• - 1/4 cup corn fresh or canned
• - 1/4 cup avocado diced
• - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes**
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
• Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly crispy.
• #### **Step 2: Cook the Cajun Rice**
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add rice, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, stirring to toast the rice slightly.
• Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
• #### **Step 3: Assemble the Bowl**
• Divide the cooked Cajun rice into bowls.
• Top with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, and avocado.
• Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
• ### **Serve & Enjoy**
• - Serve warm with an extra dash of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for spice lovers!