Brown Basmati Rice With Vegetables Recipe Made Easy

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Brown basmati rice with vegetables is a wholesome, flavorful, and colorful dish that perfectly balances nutrition and taste. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both hearty and healthy, this recipe is a fantastic choice.

Brown basmati rice offers a nutty aroma and a slightly chewy texture that complements the fresh crunch of mixed vegetables beautifully. Whether you’re a busy professional, a health-conscious eater, or someone who loves vibrant, plant-based dishes, this recipe fits all lifestyles.

Combining simple ingredients with easy cooking techniques, this dish is perfect as a main course or a side. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate your favorite veggies or whatever’s in season.

Not only does it satisfy your taste buds, but it also packs a punch of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for nourishing your body. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious brown basmati rice with vegetables right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This brown basmati rice with vegetables recipe is a perfect blend of taste and nutrition. The nutty flavor of brown basmati rice adds depth to the dish, while the medley of vegetables provides freshness and a delightful crunch.

It’s a naturally gluten-free, vegan, and fiber-rich meal that supports digestion and sustained energy.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and adaptability. You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.

The preparation is straightforward and perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal option for busy weekdays. Plus, it’s a vibrant, colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or potlucks.

If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to explore other wholesome options like Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and Asian Vegetarian Rice Bowl Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals to expand your meatless meal repertoire.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown basmati rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or pot with lid
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the brown basmati rice under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Drain well.
  2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 1/2 cups water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the vegetables: While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
  4. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced carrot, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and green peas. Stir well to combine. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  6. Spice it up: Sprinkle turmeric powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat the veggies with the spices.
  7. Combine rice and vegetables: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and gently mix it into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to ensure even distribution of veggies and spices.
  8. Heat through: Cook the combined mixture for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a wholesome main dish or a hearty side.

Tips & Variations

“For a nutty crunch, toast the cumin seeds before adding the onion. Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms to keep this recipe fresh and exciting all year round.”

  • Make it protein-packed: Add cooked chickpeas, tofu cubes, or edamame for an extra protein boost.
  • Spice level: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of homemade vegan chilli powder.
  • Use vegetable broth: Replace water with vegetable broth when cooking rice to enhance flavor.
  • Meal prep friendly: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats perfectly for quick lunches or dinners.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Carbohydrates 65 g
Protein 7 g
Fat 5 g
Fiber 5 g
Vitamin A 40% DV
Vitamin C 35% DV
Iron 10% DV

Serving Suggestions

This brown basmati rice with vegetables pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a light and refreshing meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or cucumber raita.

If you’re looking to make it a more substantial dinner, pair it with lentil dal or a creamy vegan curry.

You can also enjoy it as a standalone meal with a dollop of vegan yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added zest. For inspiration on complementary dishes, check out our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love.

Conclusion

Brown basmati rice with vegetables is a nutritious, easy-to-make meal that ticks all the boxes for a balanced diet. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the delightful blend of spices and fresh vegetables makes it a flavorful delight.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is flexible, wholesome, and satisfying.

By incorporating this dish into your regular meal rotation, you’ll enjoy the benefits of whole grains and a colorful array of veggies. Plus, its quick preparation and versatility make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Don’t forget to explore more exciting recipes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion to keep your plant-based cooking fresh and inspiring!

📖 Recipe Card: Brown Basmati Rice with Vegetables

Description: A healthy and flavorful dish combining nutty brown basmati rice with fresh mixed vegetables. Perfect as a wholesome side or a light main course.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown basmati rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the brown basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add the rice.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until rice is tender.
  4. While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  5. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
  6. Add carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and peas; cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  7. Stir in cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  8. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and combine with sautéed vegetables.
  9. Mix well and cook together for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 52 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Brown Basmati Rice with Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A healthy and flavorful dish combining nutty brown basmati rice with fresh mixed vegetables. Perfect as a wholesome side or a light main course.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup brown basmati rice”, “2 cups water”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 medium carrot, diced”, “1 bell pepper, diced”, “1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)”, “1 medium zucchini, diced”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse the brown basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add the rice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until rice is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and peas; cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff cooked rice with a fork and combine with saut\u00e9ed vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix well and cook together for 2-3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “52 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X