Vegan on a Budget Series: Rice and Wraps (Post #2)

My previous post Veg*n on a Budget started off with a simple list of mostly inexpensive and healthy staples all vegans should have in their home. Cheaper produce such as bananas are always great as well as heads of lettuce, apples, oranges, and other produce, especially when it's on sale. Also, rice, beans, and frozen veggies are great to stock up on and can be used in a variety of ways.

Today I will focus on seasoned rice with beans and corn. Make it however you like it, but it can be enjoyed by itself, as a side dish, a snack, or used in wraps, tacos, etc. The list goes on, just be creative. The following recipe is how I like my seasoned rice, but use more or less seasonings to your own specific preferences. The recipe is for two servings, so multiply for more servings, depending on if you are making it for the family, making it ahead just to have in the fridge, etc. It will stay good for about 7-10 days in the refrigerator.

Seasoned Rice

2 servings rice (prepared according to package directions)
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 small tomato, diced
1/4 cup beans (any type {black, kidney, navy, etc} either canned or dry and prepared according to package)
1/4 cup corn (frozen or canned)
about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
about 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (and/or black pepper)
about 1/3 teaspoon cumin
about 2 tablespoons water

After you've prepared the rice according to the package instructions, keep it in the pan and add all ingredients in. Stir well over low heat for about five minutes. Serve warm or cold. (I like mine better warm.)

Wraps with Rice

tortilla (flour, corn, or veggie)
about 4 heaping seasoned rice
about 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
any of the following: avocado/guacamole, olives, diced tomatoes, hummus, diced zucchini, salsa, fresh spinach, mushrooms, refried beans (be sure the can says vegetarian, sometimes the fat free varieties are okay, but some refried beans have beef fat or lard or other animal ingredients in them), sprouts, shredded carrot, veggie patty (vegan chicken or burger), falafel, etc. Again, be creative!

Gently place all ingredients on the tortilla. Be sure not to put TOO much or it will be hard to wrap and eat without it falling apart. Wrap and enjoy! Mmmm!

Again, this seasoned rice is really versatile and can be used however you'd like. It goes great with salsa and Mexican / Tex-Mex / Spanish foods such as tacos, fajitas, burritos, etc, but use it however you'd like. Please comment suggestions or how you like to use it! : )

Check out these sites I found with good, inexpensive and easy (so they claim) recipes:

Vegan Kansas City Easy Recipes
VegVine.com: Cheap Meals, Vegan Recipes
Eating Well: Easy Healthy Vegan Recipes

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