The Fajita Veggie Bowl from Chipotle features sauteed bell peppers and onions, fresh romaine lettuce, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and your choice of salsa, delivering a colorful, flavorful, and nutritious meal with vibrant textures and bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Equipments
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Saucepan (for rice)
- Small pot (for black beans)
- Mixing bowl
- Rice cooker (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Salad spinner (optional, for romaine lettuce)
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salsa of choice
Using fresh bell peppers of different colors enhances both the visual appeal and the nutritional value of your Fajita Veggie Bowl. Opt for freshly chopped romaine lettuce and thoroughly rinse it with a salad spinner if available to maintain crispness. Cooking the rice with fresh lime juice and cilantro infuses it with authentic Mexican flavors that complement the sauteed vegetables. Be sure to season the black beans with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to replicate the savory taste found in Chipotle's dish. Your homemade Fajita Veggie Bowl from Chipotle copycat menu will burst with vibrant, bold flavors thanks to these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash and dry all vegetables.
- Slice red, green, and yellow bell peppers into thin strips.
- Slice onion into thin strips.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced peppers and onion to skillet.
- Season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Combine rice and 2 cups water in saucepan (or rice cooker).
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Once cooked, fluff rice and mix in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Drain and rinse black beans.
- In small pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add black beans, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir and cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Wash and dry romaine lettuce. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Optionally, spin lettuce in salad spinner to remove excess water.
- In serving bowls, layer cilantro-lime rice, black beans, sautéed fajita veggies, and chopped romaine lettuce.
- Top with salsa of choice.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Fajita Veggie Bowl from Chipotle copycat menu uses sauteed bell peppers and onions as key flavor components; if fresh bell peppers are unavailable, frozen bell pepper strips can be a convenient substitute without sacrificing much texture. Romaine lettuce should be thoroughly washed and dried using a salad spinner to ensure crispness; iceberg lettuce can be used if romaine is not accessible, though it offers a milder flavor and crunch. When preparing cilantro-lime rice, you can substitute long-grain white rice with basmati or jasmine rice, adjusting water quantity as needed for texture. Black beans from a can can replace home-cooked black beans to save time, just be sure to rinse them to remove excess sodium. Your choice of salsa can vary based on personal preference or spice tolerance, with options ranging from mild tomato salsa to spicier tomatillo or chipotle versions.
Tips
When sauteing the bell peppers and onions, make sure your skillet is hot enough to achieve slight charring without burning, which enhances the flavor. Rinsing the rice under cold water removes excess starch and prevents clumping, giving you fluffy results every time. When heating the black beans, stir gently and heat just until warm to maintain their texture without drying them out. Your fajita veggie bowl will have the best texture and taste if you serve it immediately after assembling, so prep all ingredients beforehand to streamline the process.
Nutritions
The Fajita Veggie Bowl from Chipotle provides a balanced blend of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based protein, largely from black beans and cilantro-lime rice. Sauteed bell peppers and onions contribute essential vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that support immune health. The romaine lettuce adds hydration and dietary fiber, enhancing digestion while maintaining low calorie content. Your choice of salsa can boost flavor without adding significant calories, making this meal both nutritious and satisfying.
Storage
Store leftover fajita veggie bowls in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Keep the sauteed peppers and onions, black beans, and rice refrigerated separately from the romaine and salsa to preserve their textures and flavors. Your bowl will stay delicious for up to 3-4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the long-grain white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Try roasting the bell peppers and onions in the oven instead of sauteing them to deepen their natural sweetness and add a smoky taste. Black beans can be replaced with pinto beans or seasoned lentils to vary the texture and protein content. For a fresher twist, add diced avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top before serving.
Allergies
The Fajita Veggie Bowl may pose allergy risks due to the presence of bell peppers, onions, and black beans, which can cause reactions in individuals sensitive to nightshades or legumes. Cross-contamination with other allergens might occur during preparation, especially with salsa options containing ingredients like corn or nuts. You should consult ingredient labels and inform restaurant staff about your specific allergies to ensure safe consumption.
Why this recipe?
The Fajita Veggie Bowl from Chipotle boasts a vibrant mix of sauteed bell peppers and onions combined with fresh, seasoned rice and black beans, delivering a flavorful yet nutritious meal. You'll appreciate the balance of textures and tastes, from tender veggies to zesty spices, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians and health-conscious diners alike. Perfectly customizable with your choice of salsas and toppings, the bowl offers a personalized experience that appeals to diverse palates. Learning to make a copycat version lets you enjoy this wholesome, crave-worthy dish anytime, with control over ingredients and freshness.