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Avocado Tomato Rice Bowl


  • Author: Jessica

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups Long-Grain White Rice: This forms the fluffy, neutral base of our bowl. Its ability to separate into individual grains makes it the perfect canvas for the other ingredients.
  • 3 cups Water or Vegetable Broth: For cooking the rice. Using vegetable broth will infuse the rice with an extra layer of savory flavor from the start.
  • 2 large, Ripe Avocados: The star of the show. Look for avocados that yield to gentle pressure. They provide a rich, creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats.
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness and add a juicy, vibrant element to the bowl. Halving them makes for perfect bite-sized pieces.
  • ½ medium Red Onion: Finely diced, this adds a sharp, pungent crunch that cuts through the creaminess of the avocado.
  • ½ cup Fresh Cilantro: Roughly chopped, cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy note that ties all the flavors together.
  • 1 large Lime: We’ll use both the zest and the juice. The lime is crucial for adding acidity, preventing the avocado from browning, and brightening the entire dish.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A quality olive oil adds a fruity, peppery richness and helps create a light dressing for the toppings.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt: Or more, to taste. Salt is essential for enhancing all the individual flavors in the bowl.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a touch of mild heat and complexity.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice to Perfection: Begin by preparing the foundation of your bowl. Rinse the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear; this process removes excess starch and ensures your rice will be light and fluffy, not sticky. Combine the rinsed rice and your choice of water or vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. It’s important not to lift the lid during this time. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the grains. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
  2. Prepare the Fresh Toppings: While the rice is cooking and resting, you can prepare the vibrant medley that will sit on top. Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Finely dice the red onion and roughly chop the fresh cilantro, adding both to the bowl with the tomatoes. Zest the entire lime directly into the bowl before cutting it in half.
  3. Create the Avocado-Tomato Medley: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into the mixing bowl with the other vegetables. Using a knife or the side of a spoon, gently dice the avocado into bite-sized chunks directly in the bowl to minimize mess. Immediately squeeze the juice from both halves of the lime over the avocado. This is a critical step, as the citric acid will prevent the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown while adding essential zesty flavor.
  4. Combine and Season: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients in the bowl. Sprinkle in the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix or mash the avocado; the goal is to coat all the ingredients while maintaining their individual textures. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—it might need an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze more lime juice depending on your preference.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Once the rice is fluffed and the topping is mixed, it’s time to assemble your Avocado Tomato Rice Bowls. Divide the warm, fluffy rice evenly among four bowls. Spoon a generous amount of the fresh avocado-tomato mixture over the top of the rice. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful contrast between the warm rice and the cool, fresh toppings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 480