Mediterranean Rice Bowl With Avocado Sauce
This healthy Mediterranean Rice Bowl is so delicious, flavorful, and satisfying at the same time. The spicy chickpeas, brown rice, roasted broccoli, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado sauce will blow your mind.
Ingredients
Roasted Broccoli
- 1 medium Broccoli florets
- 3 large Garlic cloves sliced
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp Onion power
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt or as required
- 1.5 tbsp Olive oil divided
Spicy Chickpeas
- 1 cup Chickpeas cooked
- 1/2 tsp Lime juice
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper powder freshly ground
- 1/4 tsp Red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp Oregano dried
- 2 tsp Sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp Salt or as required
- 1.5 tsp Olive oil extra virgin
Brown Rice
- 1/2 cup Brown basmati rice
- 1.5 cup Water
- 1/4 tsp Olive oil
Avocado Sauce
- 1 medium Avocado
- 1/2 medium Lime juice
- 1 large Garlic cloves
- 1 Green chili
- Cilantro handful
- 1/4 tsp Salt or as required
- 1/3 cup Water
Toppings
- 10-12 Grape tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp Feta cheese crumbled
- 10 Bagel chips/Pita chips
Instructions
Roasted Broccoli
- Preheat the oven to 405°F (210ºC)
- Line a parchment paper on a large baking tray and brush olive oil on it.
- Transfer the broccoli florets, garlic, salt, spices, the remaining olive oil, and toss them together. Separate the broccoli florets for an even roasting.
- Bake them for 25-27 minutes, tossing halfway until the florets are tender.
- Let the broccoli cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle some extra seasonings if you wish, and set aside.
Spicy Chickpeas
- In a pan, heat some oil on medium heat, transfer all the spices, salt, and mix for 10 seconds.
- Combine the chickpeas, lime juice, and roast the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Next, add sesame seeds, roast them for a minute, and set aside.
Making Brown Rice
- Triple wash some brown rice, add 1.5 cup water, and let it stand covered for 20 minutes.
- Transfer the rice and water to a saucepan, and add 1/4 tsp olive oil.
- Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until the rice has absorbed the water and looks tender.
- Let the brown rice sit in a covered saucepan for 10 minutes and fluff it with a fork afterwards.
Avocado Sauce
- In a chopper grinder, add avocado slices, a handful of cilantro, garlic, lime juice, green chili, salt, ⅓ cup water, and blend to form into a smooth puree.
Assembling
- In 2 separate bowls, equally divide the cooked brown rice, spicy chickpeas, roasted broccoli, some halved grape tomatoes, feta cheese, 4-5 bagel or pita chips, drizzle some avocado sauce, and serve.
- You can add some greek yogurt as well while serving.
Notes
- Every component of the rice bowl can be prepared ahead of time which will save a lot of time.
- Add avocado sauce, tomatoes, yogurt (if using), cheese, and chips just before serving.
- Check out my Oven Roasted Broccoli recipe for more detailed instructions.
- Cook the brown rice according to package instructions. You can cook the rice in a pressure or rice cooker for easy cooking.
- You can easily double or triple the quantity of each component for bulk cooking or meal prep.
- Check out some ideas in my variations section!