Mediterranean Rice Bowl With Hummus
Highlighted under: Fresh Inspirations
I love making this Mediterranean Rice Bowl With Hummus when I want a meal that's both satisfying and vibrant. The combination of fluffy rice, creamy hummus, and fresh vegetables creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s an easy meal to whip up, and I can customize it based on what I have on hand. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep; I can make a large batch and have it ready for the week. Trust me, once you try this bowl, it will become a staple in your kitchen!
When I first tried making a Mediterranean Rice Bowl, I discovered how versatile it could be. The blend of middle eastern spices mingled with the fresh produce created a flavor explosion that was refreshing yet hearty. By experimenting with different toppings such as feta cheese or olives, I found the combinations to be endless.
The method of cooking rice in vegetable broth makes a significant difference in taste; it infuses the grains with extra flavor. Always remember to let the hummus sit for a few minutes before serving—it enhances the flavors even more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and filling, perfect for any meal of the day
- Fresh vegetables add a crunchy texture that complements the creamy hummus
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and proteins
Why Use Jasmine Rice?
Jasmine rice is my go-to for this Mediterranean Rice Bowl because of its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which holds the ingredients together beautifully. When cooked properly, jasmine rice becomes fluffy and soft, providing a perfect base for the vibrant toppings. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch; this helps prevent it from becoming gummy.
For variation, you could substitute jasmine rice with basmati rice for a nuttier flavor or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Remember that quinoa requires additional water and a shorter cooking time, so adjust accordingly to achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
Customizing Your Bowl
One of the best aspects of this Mediterranean Rice Bowl is its versatility. You can easily customize it by including proteins such as grilled chicken, falafel, or tofu. If you're looking for a plant-based option, consider marinated tempeh for added texture and flavor. Season it with your favorite spices to enhance the overall dish.
Feel free to add seasonal vegetables too. Roasted zucchini, grilled asparagus, or even sautéed spinach work wonderfully. Just remember to adjust the cooking method accordingly. For example, roasted vegetables can take around 20-25 minutes at 400°F until tender and slightly charred, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy hummus.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to prepare your Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Hummus:
For the Bowl
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Hummus
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
Feel free to add any additional toppings or spices based on your preference!
Instructions
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Hummus:
Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, combine jasmine rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Prepare the Hummus
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, drizzling in olive oil until you reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Bowl
In a large bowl, layer the cooked rice, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Serve with a generous side of hummus.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Mediterranean Rice Bowl!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, add feta cheese or olives on top. You can substitute brown rice for jasmine rice for a more nutritious option.
Storing and Reheating
This Mediterranean Rice Bowl stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. I recommend keeping the hummus separate until you're ready to eat, as this helps maintain the freshness of the vegetables and prevents sogginess. In airtight containers, it can last up to 4 days without compromising flavor.
When reheating, you can either microwave the bowl for a couple of minutes or warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the rice seems dry, a splash of vegetable broth or water will help revive it. Add the fresh toppings and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to enhance the flavors.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your hummus turns out too thick, don’t worry! This is a common issue. You can blend in additional olive oil or a little water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired smoothness. This technique ensures the hummus remains creamy and easy to spread over the rice.
If your vegetables aren't as crisp as you'd like after storing, try giving them a quick sauté in a skillet with a little olive oil before serving. This refreshes their crunchiness and enhances the overall dish without taking too much extra time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this bowl vegan?
Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally vegan, just ensure your tahini and hummus are also vegan-friendly.
→ How can I make this bowl gluten-free?
This recipe is gluten-free, just double-check the ingredients used in the store-bought hummus.
→ What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to add grilled veggies, avocado, or even some cooked chicken or lamb for extra protein!
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the rice before serving.
Mediterranean Rice Bowl With Hummus
I love making this Mediterranean Rice Bowl With Hummus when I want a meal that's both satisfying and vibrant. The combination of fluffy rice, creamy hummus, and fresh vegetables creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s an easy meal to whip up, and I can customize it based on what I have on hand. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep; I can make a large batch and have it ready for the week. Trust me, once you try this bowl, it will become a staple in your kitchen!
Created by: Natalie Warren
Recipe Type: Fresh Inspirations
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Bowl
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Hummus
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
How-To Steps
In a saucepan, combine jasmine rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, drizzling in olive oil until you reach your desired consistency.
In a large bowl, layer the cooked rice, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Serve with a generous side of hummus.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, add feta cheese or olives on top. You can substitute brown rice for jasmine rice for a more nutritious option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 14g