Vegan Winter Rice Bowl with Roasted Veggies and Chickpeas

This Vegan Winter Rice Bowl with roasted veggies and chickpeas is a nourishing vegan meal prep idea made with Ralston Family Farms Jasmine Rice.

Ingredients

Rice Base
1½ cups uncooked Ralston Family Farms Jasmine Rice
2 ¼ cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
¼ teaspoon salt
Roasted Vegetables & Chickpeas
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
2 small beets, peeled and cubed
2 cups halved Brussels sprouts
1 small fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced
2 (15-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemony Citrus Vinaigrette
Zest from one lemon
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
¼ cup fresh orange juice (about ½-1 orange)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup, to taste
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°F. On two large sheet pans, divide sweet potato, beets, Brussels sprouts, fennel, and chickpeas then drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, then toss to combine. Spread evenly on sheet pans and roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway, until caramelized and tender. Meanwhile, in a fine colander, rinse rice with water until water runs clear.Combine rinsed rice, water, and salt in a pot and bring to a boil. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer, cooking on low 15 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered to steam for 5-10 more minutes. Spread rice out on a baking sheet to cool quickly While those are cooking, make the vinaigrette dressing. In a small jar with a lid (or whisk together in a bowl), add lemon zest, lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil, Dijon, maple syrup, garlic, and salt and pepper. Shake until combined. Once rice and veggies have cooled, divide evenly between 4-6 containers. Drizzle generously with lemony citrus vinaigrette or pack the dressing into separate containers to pour on when serving. Finish with optional garnishes if desired. Enjoy chilled or gently reheated!