Welcome to a delightful and simple culinary journey with our Easy Vegetable Rice Recipe! Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick meal, a beginner in the kitchen, or simply craving a wholesome dish packed with vibrant vegetables, this recipe is tailored just for you.
Combining fluffy rice with a colorful medley of fresh veggies, fragrant spices, and savory seasonings, it’s a versatile dish that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
This recipe is not only quick and fuss-free but also highly nutritious and customizable. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a side dish during family gatherings.
Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free by default, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. Keep reading to discover how easy it is to whip up this tasty and satisfying vegetable rice meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to prepare: With just one pot and minimal chopping, this recipe saves you time and effort.
Nutritious and colorful: Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, it provides a spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
Customizable: Swap veggies or add your favorite spices to make it truly your own.
Perfect for all meals: Serve it as a main course or a side dish, hot or cold.
Plus, it pairs wonderfully with many other dishes, including some of our favorites like Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious and Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice | 1 cup | Rinsed |
| Water or vegetable broth | 2 cups | For cooking rice (broth adds extra flavor) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Or any neutral oil |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 2 | Minced |
| Carrot | 1 large | Diced |
| Bell pepper | 1 medium | Any color, diced |
| Frozen peas | ½ cup | Thawed |
| Green beans | ½ cup | Chopped |
| Tomato | 1 medium | Diced |
| Cumin powder | 1 teaspoon | For warm spice flavor |
| Turmeric powder | ½ teaspoon | Optional, for color and health benefits |
| Salt | To taste | Adjust as needed |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Fresh cilantro | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Optional, for brightness |
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or pot with lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
- Serving bowl or plate
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy.
- Prepare your vegetables: Chop the onion, carrot, bell pepper, green beans, and tomato. Mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring frequently until translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the diced carrot, bell pepper, green beans, and peas. Sprinkle the cumin powder and turmeric over the veggies. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until veggies start to soften.
- Incorporate rice and tomato: Add the rinsed rice and diced tomato to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients and coat the rice with the spices and oil.
- Add liquid and cook: Pour in the water or vegetable broth and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer: Let the rice cook undisturbed for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is completely absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
- Rest and fluff: Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- Add finishing touches: Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro and lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy! This vegetable rice pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and is great on its own.
Tips & Variations
For best results, use fresh vegetables and high-quality rice.
Feel free to swap the vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. Zucchini, corn, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions or substitutes.
For a protein boost, add cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes during the vegetable sauté step.
If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red chili flakes or diced green chilies with the spices.
Try using brown rice for a heartier, more fiber-rich version; just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Looking for more plant-based rice dishes? Check out our Vegan Maqluba Recipe: Easy One-Pot Middle Eastern Meal for a delicious twist!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 30% DV |
| Vitamin C | 40% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This easy vegetable rice is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled tofu or tempeh for a complete meal.
It also pairs wonderfully with flavorful dishes like our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor or complements well with fresh homemade flatbreads such as the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade.
Leftovers make a fantastic base for a quick fried rice-style stir-fry or a delicious rice salad served cold with a zesty dressing.
Conclusion
Our Easy Vegetable Rice Recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a nourishing and flavorful meal. Its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and wholesome nutrition make it an ideal dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe offers a hassle-free way to enjoy a hearty, plant-based meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and spices to suit your taste preferences. And if you’re looking to expand your vegan cooking repertoire, be sure to explore other delicious recipes on our site like the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or the Vegan Sisig Recipe: How to Make a Tasty Filipino Classic.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your vibrant vegetable rice journey!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegetable Rice Recipe
Description: A quick and healthy vegetable rice dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Loaded with colorful veggies and simple seasonings.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add carrots and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in rice and cook for 2 minutes, coating grains with oil.
- Pour in vegetable broth, add salt, pepper, and thyme; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add frozen peas, stir gently, and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 40 g
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