Craving Mexican Bowls Near Me? Discovering Flavorful Bowls & Homemade Bliss

As a kid, my family’s go-to Mexican restaurant, El Burro, held a special place in my heart. Beyond the playful fountain and gazebo that sparked my childhood imagination, the food itself was a comforting constant.

Nostalgic Mexican Restaurant Memories with a Mexican Bowl

While my parents explored the menu’s chile verde burritos and enchiladas, my young palate craved simplicity. A side of beans, a side of rice, and a warm tortilla were my standard order at any Mexican restaurant (with the notable exception of Taco Bell) until my teenage years. The ritual was always the same: meticulously mixing the beans and rice with my fork, and if guacamole graced our appetizer order, that creamy goodness would be folded in too. This humble bean and rice mixture, punctuated by bites of plain tortilla, was my personal Mexican food perfection.

Simple Pleasures: A Kid's Mexican Bowl Inspiration

This beloved, uncomplicated “Mexican bowl” setup could have been my culinary comfort zone indefinitely. However, the teenage desire to appear sophisticated changed everything. On a date at a Mexican restaurant, the fear of seeming childish led me to order a burrito. This marked the dawn of my NorCal burrito obsession – a tale for another time – and a temporary departure from my simple bowl.

Teenage Tastes Evolve: From Simple Bowls to Burrito Adventures

Even as my culinary horizons expanded, the essence of those beans and rice meals remained. I’ve often enjoyed beans and rice as a meal, sometimes with a Mexican flair, and always appreciated them as the perfect side dish in many Mexican restaurants. Yet, consciously crafting a dedicated Mexican-style beans and rice bowl as a main course hadn’t been on my radar until recently.

Rediscovering Simple Mexican Flavors in a Bowl

Then, Cafe Gratitude, a local spot near me, introduced the “I am Mucho” to their menu – a Mexican-inspired beans and rice bowl. During a recent visit, this dish jumped out at me. Beans and rice (or quinoa) served over crisp lettuce with vibrant tomatoes, sweet corn, creamy cashew cheese, and fresh guacamole… it sounded irresistible. And it was. The “I am Mucho” lived up to every expectation, becoming a week-long craving. The only solution was to recreate it at home, and now, I can’t stop making my own version.

The "Aha!" Moment: Inspired by a Local Mexican Bowl

My homemade Mexican bowl features a flavorful grain blend of quinoa, amaranth (an ancient Mexican grain adding a nutty depth), and farro, all cooked in savory vegetable broth. For a gluten-free option, brown rice is a perfect substitute for farro. Instead of a simple salad, I created a vibrant pico de gallo-inspired mix of roma tomatoes, corn, zucchini, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice. This bright mixture is served over a bed of chard – spinach, kale, or romaine lettuce work equally well – alongside hearty black beans. To top it all off, generous dollops of homemade guacamole, creamy cashew cheese sauce, and toasted pepitas provide the perfect textures and rich flavors. For me, it’s pure culinary bliss in a bowl.

Homemade Heaven: A Delicious and Customizable Mexican Bowl

It’s fascinating to consider that my childhood favorite meal was essentially a naturally vegan dish, one that resonates with my taste buds just as much today. There’s an old saying: put a child in a room with an apple and a bunny, and they’ll instinctively eat the apple and play with the bunny. Our natural inclination is towards plant-based foods, yet societal influences often steer us away from these instincts as we grow older. Consuming animals and their byproducts isn’t inherently natural; it’s a learned behavior. Perhaps it’s time we all listened to our inner child when choosing what to eat.

Back to Basics: Embracing Natural Flavors in a Mexican Bowl

This Mexican Bowl recipe is not only a delicious and satisfying meal, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful and healthy lunch, this bowl is a fantastic option. And if you are searching for “Mexican Bowls Near Me”, this recipe allows you to enjoy the vibrant flavors of a restaurant-quality Mexican bowl right in the comfort of your own home. Plus, knowing exactly what ingredients go into your bowl ensures a fresh and wholesome meal every time.

Versatile and Healthy: The Perfect Homemade Mexican Bowl

The Mexican Bowl Recipe

Yield: Serves 2-4

Ingredients

For the Cashew Cheese:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least one hour (reserve the soaking water)
• 6 tablespoons reserved soaking water
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon white miso
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste (optional)

For the Tomato, Corn & Zucchini Salad:

• 3 roma tomatoes, diced small
• 1 zucchini, diced small
• 2/3 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen & defrosted)
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice from 1 lime
• Several dashes of cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste

For the Guacamole:

• 2 avocados, seeded and skins removed, mashed
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste

For the Grains:

• 1/4 cup amaranth
• 1/4 cup quinoa
• 1/4 cup farro (or brown rice for gluten-free)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup water

For the Beans:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 tablespoon Bragg Liquid Aminos (or tamari/soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili pepper
• Juice of 1/2 a lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl Assembly:

• 2 cups chopped chard (or kale, spinach, romaine, or other green)
• 1/3 cup toasted pepitas
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cashew Cheese:

1. Combine all cashew cheese ingredients in a food processor and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
2. Store the cashew cheese in an airtight container until ready to use. It can be prepared a few days in advance.

Make the Tomato, Corn & Zucchini Salad:

1. In a bowl, combine all salad ingredients. Mix well to combine.
2. Cover and refrigerate the salad until ready to serve. It can be made a day ahead.

Make the Guacamole:

1. In a large bowl, mash the avocados using a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining for texture.
2. Add the remaining guacamole ingredients and mix until well combined.
3. Cover and chill the guacamole until serving. It’s best made within a couple of hours of serving.

Cook the Grains:

1. If using farro or quinoa, soak them for an hour if possible (optional). Rinse the grains.
2. In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa, farro (or brown rice), and amaranth. Pour in vegetable broth and water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, slightly crack the lid and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until all liquid is absorbed, approximately 20-25 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and fluff the grains with a fork. Cover again and let rest until ready to assemble the bowls.

Cook the Beans:

1. While the grains are simmering (during the last 10 minutes), prepare the beans. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat for about a minute.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and black beans, mixing to combine.
3. Stir in spices, vegetable broth, and Bragg Liquid Aminos (or tamari/soy sauce). Mix well.
4. Cook until the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Once liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice.

Assemble the Bowl:

1. Divide chopped greens among serving bowls (recipe serves 2-4).
2. To each bowl, add portions of cooked grains, cooked black beans, and tomato, corn & zucchini salad.
3. Top each bowl generously with a dollop of guacamole and a drizzle of cashew cheese sauce.
4. Sprinkle toasted pepitas over the top for added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Mexican Bowl! Add hot sauce if desired for extra heat.

A Colorful and Delicious Homemade Mexican Bowl

Enjoying Mexican Flavors at Home (or Finding Them Near You!)

Whether you are making this vibrant Mexican Bowl recipe at home or searching for “mexican bowls near me” to find a local restaurant serving them, the appeal of fresh, flavorful Mexican-inspired cuisine is undeniable. This recipe provides a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a taste of Mexico in a bowl! And if you’re out and about, keep an eye out for local restaurants offering their own unique takes on the Mexican bowl – you might discover a new favorite spot right around the corner.

Photography by Chris Miller