Wholesome Mexican Cantina Bowl with Rajma Beans – A Fusion Power Bowl!

🌯 A Spicy, Comforting Hug in a Bowl!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a big, vibrant bowl packed with spicy beans, creamy guacamole, zesty salad, and hearty rice. Today, I’m sharing a fusion-style Mexican Cantina Bowl with a healthy Indian twist—red rajma beans! This bowl is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, flavor, and crunch. Whether you're meal-prepping, craving something comforting, or looking to clean up your diet, this dish checks all the boxes.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup soaked and boiled red beans (rajma)

• 1 cup diced mushrooms

• 100g tofu or paneer

• 1 shredded lettuce

• 1 tomato, diced

• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 cup guacamole

• 1 cup cooked brown rice

For the tofu/paneer marinade:

• 2 tsp chilli paste

• 2 cloves garlic, finely diced

• Salt

• 1 tsp soy sauce

For sautéing:

• 2 tsp olive oil

🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of chilli paste, finely diced garlic, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Add the tofu or paneer cubes to this marinade and let them soak up the flavors while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

   

2. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottom pan. Add the diced mushrooms and sauté until they begin to brown. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chilli paste, followed by the soaked and boiled rajma (red beans). Cook this mixture on medium heat for about 10 minutes, then set it aside.

   

3. In the same or a separate pan, add another teaspoon of oil. Place the marinated tofu or paneer cubes in the pan and cook them for 5 minutes on each side, or until a golden, crisp skin forms. Remove and keep them warm.

   

4. In a mixing bowl, toss together shredded lettuce, diced tomato, thinly sliced onion (optional), salt, pepper, and a splash of your favorite salad dressing. This fresh mix will add crunch and brightness to your bowl.

   

5. Assemble your Cantina Bowl by first adding a scoop of brown rice to one side of a wide bowl. Then spoon in the warm rajma and mushroom mixture. Add a generous serving of the fresh salad, followed by the golden tofu or paneer cubes. Top everything with a spoonful (or two!) of creamy guacamole. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for that extra indulgence. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, but I usually skip it to cut back on calories.

   

🍽 Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Value
Calories	450–500 kcal
Protein	20–25g
Fiber	10–12g
Healthy Fats	15g
Carbohydrates	45–50g
Calcium	High (paneer/tofu + lettuce)
Iron	High (rajma + greens)

This bowl is:

• High in plant-based protein

• Full of gut-friendly fiber

• Naturally gluten-free

• Customizable and meal-prep friendly

  Enjoy!