Broken Rice Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Meals

Broken rice, often overlooked in favor of its more polished cousin, is a wonderfully versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that deserves a special place in your vegetarian kitchen. This recipe transforms humble broken rice into a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.

Packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and a touch of umami, this vegetarian broken rice recipe is a celebration of textures and tastes that will delight your palate without weighing you down. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, this dish offers a satisfying and nutritious option that’s easy to prepare and utterly delicious.

Learn how to elevate broken rice into a vibrant, wholesome meal that can be customized to suit your preferences. Plus, discover tips for cooking the rice perfectly every time and ideas for variations that keep this recipe fresh and exciting.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delightful vegetarian broken rice dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian broken rice recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, wholesome meal with minimal effort. Broken rice cooks faster than regular rice, making it a time-saver in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or texture.

The dish is packed with fresh vegetables and fragrant spices, creating a balanced and nourishing plate that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs.

It’s also incredibly adaptable—whether you prefer it spicy, mild, or with extra protein like tofu or tempeh, this recipe can be tailored to your liking. And because it’s vegetarian, it’s perfect for meat-free Mondays or anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals.

Lastly, it’s budget-friendly and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 cup broken rice
• 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Optional: 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed and lightly pan-fried

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid (for cooking rice)
• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board and knife
• Grater (for ginger)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Bowl for soaking tofu (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the broken rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed broken rice and 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
3. Prepare vegetables: While the rice is cooking, chop the onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini. If using tofu, press and cube it, then lightly pan-fry in a bit of oil until golden on all sides. Set aside.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until aromatic.
6. Stir in the diced carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and green peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
7. Sprinkle turmeric and black pepper over the vegetables, stirring well to coat.
8. Add the cooked broken rice to the skillet and gently fold everything together. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture and toss to combine evenly.
9. Season with salt to taste. If using tofu, gently fold it in now.
10. Cook for another 2 minutes on low heat to allow flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
11. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

“Use broken rice not only to save money but also to enjoy its unique texture—it’s softer and quicker to cook than regular rice!”

Cooking Tips: Rinsing broken rice thoroughly is key to preventing clumping. If you prefer a looser texture, fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork before mixing with vegetables.

Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach. For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or edamame.

To spice things up, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can also turn this into a vegan fried rice by omitting the tofu or using tempeh instead.

Make it your own: Try pairing this dish with a tangy sauce like La Choy Sweet And Sour Sauce or complement it with a simple side salad for a light meal.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This broken rice dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Serve it with a crisp cucumber salad or a cooling raita to balance the spices.

For a heartier meal, add a side of sautéed greens or roasted sweet potatoes.

For a fun fusion twist, try pairing this with the bright, fresh flavors of our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe as a light appetizer before your main course. Or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, the zesty Lemon Straws Recipe make a refreshing dessert.

Conclusion

Embracing broken rice in your vegetarian cooking repertoire opens up a world of creative and delicious possibilities. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into a nutritious and satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Broken rice’s quick cooking time and unique consistency make it a practical choice for busy cooks who want wholesome food on the table fast.

Beyond its convenience, this dish encourages you to experiment with fresh produce and seasonings, making it endlessly adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs. Whether served as a main or a side, this vegetarian broken rice recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes like our Horse Cough Syrup Recipe for wellness or the savory Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for when you want something different.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of broken rice!

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