Best Vegetarian Black Rice Recipe for Healthy Meals

Discover the exquisite taste and nutritional power of black rice with this best vegetarian black rice recipe. Black rice, often called forbidden rice due to its historical rarity, is a nutrient-dense grain packed with antioxidants, fiber, and a unique nutty flavor.

Unlike traditional white or brown rice, its striking deep purple-black color adds a beautiful visual appeal to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more wholesome ingredients to your diet, this recipe is a perfect blend of taste, texture, and health benefits.

This dish features vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs that complement the earthy flavor of black rice. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for weekday dinners or special occasions.

Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly, so it suits a wide range of dietary needs. Ready to impress your family and friends with a colorful, hearty, and nutritious meal?

Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This black rice recipe stands out for several reasons. First, black rice is rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that give it its distinctive color and numerous health benefits.

You’ll enjoy a meal that supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Second, the recipe is incredibly versatile and customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables or nuts to vary the texture and flavor.

It’s perfect as a main dish or a side, pairing well with many other vegetarian options.

Lastly, it’s a one-pot wonder! You’ll appreciate the simplicity of cooking black rice with fresh ingredients in one skillet or pot, making cleanup a breeze.

This recipe is a wholesome, satisfying, and visually stunning addition to your vegetarian recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 1 cup black rice (rinsed thoroughly)
• 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth (for cooking rice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds (optional for crunch)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander or fine mesh sieve (for rinsing rice)

Instructions

1. Rinse the black rice under cold running water using a colander until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly.
2. Cook the black rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
3. While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
6. Add the cooked black rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Mix well to combine.
7. Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the rice and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
8. Fold in the chopped spinach and thawed peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and peas are warmed through.
9. Remove from heat. Drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture and toss gently.
10. Top with toasted almonds and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving for added texture and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Soaking black rice for 30 minutes before cooking can reduce cooking time and improve texture.

Try adding roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed mushrooms for an earthier flavor. For a protein boost, toss in cooked chickpeas or crumbled tofu.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This black rice dish pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetarian main courses. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.

It’s an excellent side for dishes with creamy sauces, such as the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe.

For a complete protein meal, consider topping it with pan-seared tofu or tempeh. If you want to explore more vegetarian-friendly options, the savory Cheese Penny Recipe complements this rice perfectly with its rich, cheesy flavors.

And if you’re craving a sweet ending after this wholesome meal, don’t miss the decadent Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe—a delightful treat that balances spice and sweetness.

Conclusion

This vegetarian black rice recipe is a flavorful, nutritious, and visually stunning dish that deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. Its rich antioxidant profile and hearty texture make it a wholesome alternative to traditional rice dishes.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with health benefits.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing a cozy dinner at home, this recipe impresses with its vibrant colors and bold flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and spices to make it your own.

Embrace the versatility of black rice and enjoy a nourishing meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegetarian Black Rice Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and nutritious black rice dish packed with vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect as a main or side dish for a healthy vegetarian meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup black rice”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 small onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, diced”, “1 cup chopped spinach”, “1/2 cup corn kernels”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “Fresh cilantro for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse black rice under cold water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add red bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in black rice, cumin, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add spinach and corn, cook uncovered for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with cilantro before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “7 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “60 g”}}