Whip up a vibrant Avocado Black Bean Rice Bowl! This easy, healthy recipe features fluffy rice, creamy avocado, & zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a quick & satisfying meal.

Ingredients

   1 cup long-grain white rice (like jasmine or basmati)
   1 ¾ cups water or vegetable broth
   1 can black beans (15 oz, rinsed and drained)
   1 tsp ground cumin
   ½ tsp smoked paprika
   2 ripe but firm avocados
   1 large lime
   2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
   1 small red onion (finely diced)
   1 large tomato (diced)
   ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
   Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Method

    Cook the Rice. Start by rinsing your rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water. Combine the rinsed rice and water (or broth) in your saucepan. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. You'll know it's done when the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. 
   
   Warm and Season the Beans. While the rice is cooking, place your rinsed black beans in a small saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle in the cumin and smoked paprika, and stir gently to combine. You just want to warm them through and let the spices become fragrant—this should only take 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to mash the beans. Once warmed, season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
   
   Prepare the Zesty Lime Dressing. This is where the magic happens! In a small bowl or jar, juice the entire lime. You should get about 2-3 tablespoons of juice. Add the olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Whisk it vigorously (or shake the jar) until the dressing is emulsified and looks slightly creamy. Taste it! It should be tangy and bright. Adjust the salt if needed.
   
   Chop Your Toppings. Now for the colorful part. Dice the red onion, tomato, and cilantro. Slice or cube your avocados—I like slices for a prettier presentation, but cubes are easier to eat. Sprinkle the avocado slices with lime juice if you are concerned about oxidization. 
   
   Assemble Your Bowls. Fluff the rested rice with a fork and divide it between your bowls. Now, create little sections or artfully pile on your components: the warm spiced beans, the creamy avocado, the juicy tomato, and the sharp red onion. Drizzle a generous amount of that lime dressing over everything—it's the glue that binds all the flavors. Finally, scatter the fresh cilantro on top.
   
   The Final Touch. This is where you make it your own. Add a sprinkle of crumbled cheese for saltiness, a few slices of jalapeño for heat, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.