California Walnut Beet, Bean & Cheese Brown Rice Bowl [Clean, GF, Vegetarian]

This bowl is super easy to make for just you, for bulk cooking, or for the family. These ingredients are mostly canned and pantry items that you may have lying around. Get protein from your beans, fiber from your rice and healthy omegas from your walnuts! This bowl is super quick to make, with minimal ingredients and lots of flavors!

“I received free samples of California Walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Walnuts and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.”

I hope everyone is staying safe, sane and healthy during these crazy times. I am still working, of course, but I know for most of you, you are home and potentially going stir crazy. Now sounds like an ideal time to look at your kitchen and start to become creative with the ingredients you have on hand! This is pretty much ( as my long time readers already know) something that I do on a regular basis. One of my specialties is re-purposing leftovers to other meals. As people who know me are aware, I rarely eat the same thing multiple times in a row. I would rather use those ingredients to either 1. bulk cook, freeze and eat another time 2. use those ingredients in a totally new recipe.

However, since I don’t often have time to go to the store, I am also good at just “whipping up” recipes from things I have on hand. This is one of those recipes . Canned foods and shelf stable items are the main players here. Also, shredded cheese, if you are using (aka not vegan or paleo) lasts quite a long time as long as you don’t touch it. Nuts, of course, are also shelf stable! So, therefore, you may have all of these ingredients on hand!

Let’s talk about nuts, though. You guys know I’m a big fan of adding nuts to recipes for the healthy fat content. Walnuts, are an exceptional source of omegas. Omegas are great for the brain and walnuts just happen to be shaped similarly to a brain!

In fact, California walnuts contain protein (4g/oz) and fiber (2g/oz) and are the only nut to contain an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.5g/oz). More nutrient information can be found at: https://walnuts.org/health-professionals/

When I got the package, I was surprised to see that the walnuts were pre-packaged into snack sized grab bags. I had seen this done, and have personally eaten plenty, with almonds and peanuts, but never with walnuts! I was pumped to see them snack sized because walnuts are power house nuts.

Walnuts are super versatile, too. I’ve used them in my sweet breakfast oatmeals and also in my savory dishes, as well. That’s what makes them so awesome. I am all about versatility and a handful of California walnuts is a versatile snack that can satisfy any taste preference, from savory to sweet.​ (Or, if you are like me, you like both!) Regardless of your flavor preference, walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of the plant-based omega-3, ALA (2.5g/oz).

The recipe I have chosen to make for you is a light and savory meal. Perhaps some unexpected combinations, but try it out and see what you think! I am personally a mustard fiend (it is in my top 3 of favorite condiments) and I HIGHLY recommend its addition. However, if absolutely necessary, you can omit it.

Print

California Walnut Beet, Bean & Cheese Brown Rice Bowl [Clean, GF, Vegetarian]

Course Main Course

Keyword 10 ingredients or less, brown rice, California Walnuts, cinnamon, mozzarella cheese, mustard

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Author AZ@…And A Dash of Cinnamon

Ingredients

• 4 cups brown rice cooked
• 1.5 cups black beans
• 4 t cinnamon
• 1 cup California Walnuts

Optional

• 4 T deli mustard **highly recommended
• 1 T mozzarella cheese shredded

Instructions

1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions if you don't already have cooked brown rice on hand

2. If doing stove top: once rice is made, stir in cinnnamon, black beans and deli mustard (if using) until combined and heated through

3. Mix in walnuts and top with shredded cheese (if using)

4. If using microwave: make/heat rice. Add beans, cinnamon, mustard (if using) and heat for ~1.30 minutes. Stir in walnuts and top with cheese (if using) and microwave ~30 seconds more to melt cheese

5. Divide, eat and enjoy!

I link up with Deborah and Sarah’s, and  the fit foodie mama’s Meatless Monday, What’s for Dinner

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