Mexican Fried Rice - John

This is originally a Jinde creation, inspired by traditional fried rice but a healthy Mexican-style twist. It's a vegetarian or vegan dish with brown rice, lots of veggies, and beans, with fajita seasoning. It’s perfect on its own or served in baked peppers/capsicums, and even better with toppings like lime, avocado, salsa, and tortilla chips.

Ingredients (Serves approximately 4):

• 1.5 cups brown rice (uncooked)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 zucchini, diced (optional)

• 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), diced

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced or grated

• 1 cup red cabbage, finely chopped (optional, for crunch)

• 1 cup sweetcorn

• 1 can black beans or Mexican bean mix (black beans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans) - drained & rinsed. I sometimes do both if I want it really beany

• 1 sachet Old El Paso (other brand are available) fajita seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Spinach (optional, for extra healthiness)

• Fresh chilli, finely sliced (optional, for spiciness)

Optional Toppings:

• Grated cheese (for vegetarian version)

• Fresh lime wedges

• Sliced avocado

• Tortilla chips with salsa

• Franks hot sauce (or tabasco or your favourite Mexican sauce)

• Fresh coriander

• Halved cherry tomatoes

Optional extra Baking:

• Extra peppers/capsicums, halved and deseeded (for stuffing and baking)

Instructions:

1. Cook Rice: Rinse and cook brown rice according to package instructions. Set aside.

2. Cook Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté red onion and garlic until softened. Add capsicum, zucchini, mushrooms, carrot, and red cabbage. Stir-fry until tender-crisp.

3. Add Beans & Seasoning: Add the beans and corn. Stir in the taco/fajita seasoning and a splash of water if needed. Add sliced chilli now if using. Cook for 2–3 minutes.

4. Combine with Rice: Add cooked rice and mix until everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed. You can also add spinach if you like.

• (Optional) Bake: Spoon mixture into halved capsicums, top with cheese (if using), and bake or grill until golden.  Or if you just want it cheesy, put it all in an oven safe bowl and sprinkle cheese over the top of it and bake it

Serve: Garnish with lime, avocado, salsa, coriander, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add tortilla chips on the side.