I didn't eat a ton of Mexican-inspired dishes growing up on the East Coast, and when I did they involved a lot of weird things like black olives and shredded mozzarella cheese. Eep. Now that I've been a California resident for officially a decade, I have a much finer appreciation for traditional Mexican dishes - and a serious love for hot hot salsa. When I want something a little spicy, my go-to is almost always tacos; but sometimes, you just need to mix it up - or in this case, you just happen to be out of tortillas! Which is fine, because even bowl style with crunchy corn tortilla chips and jackfruit instead of carne asada, these bowls are still so so much better and - dare I say - much closer to the original. I took all my favorite ingredients and tucked them into one bowl, and it's a simple one to toss together, too. The jackfruit is a great option for meat-free friends or meatless Monday meal inspiration, and the addition of RightRice as a protein / carb base elevates the flavor and takes the nutritional punch of the dish to the next level. Plus, it's easy to make for two or to pack half for lunch leftovers!

The big key here is really keep your ingredients as fresh as possible. There's just something about limp, wilted cilantro and browning avocados that makes any meal look sad and like it should've been served up days earlier. Plus, little customizable add-on's to the dish like corn chips, lime slices, and hot sauce can take your bowl from chipotle-style to personal chef status realllll quick. And THAT means meal prep for the week just got a lot more exciting. Get it, girl. Recipe below!

Ingredients:
-1 bag of Spanish RightRice (or use brown rice here for another healthy option)
-1 10 oz package of Upton’s Chili Lime Jackfruit (or buy and season your own)
-1 15 oz. (445 ml) can black beans
-1 tablespoon lime juice
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon chili powder
-1 teaspoon cumin
-avocado, cilantro, salsa, tortilla chips and limes for topping

Directions:
Prepare the Spanish Right Rice according to the instructions on the package, then set aside. Sauté the jackfruit in a medium-sized cast iron or frying pan until the edges brown, and set that aside while you cook the black beans.

To cook the beans, pour them into a second, smaller pan and add the lime juice, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Add a splash of water and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. When your beans are done, it’s time to construct the bowls! 

To prep the bowls, layer in Spanish Right Rice, jackfruit, and black beans. Top with avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and salsa. Serve tortilla chips and limes on the side for garnish and flavor. Serves 2. Enjoy!

Dang - I LOVE a good bowl, and this is a really great bowl! I can't wait to hear what you think, especially if you try it with the RightRice - I have been loving it as a sub for regular rice a few times a week for something different and a little more well rounded nutritionally, especially now that I'm working out so much more often. What are your favorite healthy food / snack subs?? Would love to hear how you switch it up in the comments below. Enjoy, babes!