Brown Rice Pilaf With Vegetables Recipe Easy and Flavorful

Brown rice pilaf with vegetables is a delightful and wholesome dish that combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the vibrant freshness of assorted vegetables. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious, fiber-rich meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a healthy side dish, this pilaf fits the bill. The medley of vegetables adds color, texture, and a burst of vitamins, making it a wonderful way to sneak more greens into your diet.

Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect brown rice pilaf with vegetables—from ingredients and equipment to step-by-step instructions and tips to customize it your way.

Ready to elevate your rice game? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This brown rice pilaf with vegetables is much more than just a side dish. It’s a complete, hearty meal that’s packed with nutrients and flavor.

Brown rice is a whole grain, meaning it retains its bran and germ, offering higher fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to white rice. Cooking it pilaf-style, by toasting the rice first and simmering it in broth, enhances the texture and infuses rich flavor.

The addition of fresh vegetables not only gives the pilaf a beautiful array of colors but also adds layers of taste and nutrition. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served as a main or side, and is excellent for meal prep because it reheats beautifully without losing its texture or flavor.

Plus, this dish is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs!

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice (long grain preferred)
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (use a mix of colors for vibrance)
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/4 cup slivered almonds or toasted pine nuts for crunch

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 brown rice under cold water using a colander to remove excess starch. This helps keep the rice from getting sticky.
2. Toast the rice: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir frequently for about 4-5 minutes until the rice smells nutty and is slightly golden. This step enhances the flavor and texture.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
4. Add the diced carrot, bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas to the pan. Sauté for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.
5. Add the toasted rice to the vegetables, stirring to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes to steam and fluff.
8. Fluff the pilaf with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. If using nuts, sprinkle them on top before serving for added texture.
9. Serve warm as a main dish or side.

Tips & Variations

“To make your pilaf even more flavorful, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of smoked paprika right before serving.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or corn depending on the season and what you have on hand.
• Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of your favorite spice blend such as cumin, coriander, or even a bit of the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan for a smoky kick.
• Protein boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes to transform this into a protein-packed meal.
• Meal prep tip: This pilaf keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
• For a nutty crunch: Toast almonds or pine nuts in a dry pan and sprinkle on top just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This brown rice pilaf with vegetables pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite vegan stews or curries for a comforting meal.

Try it with grilled tofu or tempeh for a protein-rich dinner.

It also works wonderfully as a base for bowls. Top it with avocado slices, a drizzle of tahini, and some pickled onions for a fresh and filling lunch.

For a Mediterranean twist, add a side of hummus and pita bread.

If you like exploring more wholesome dishes, check out these recipes for inspiration: A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion, Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals, and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

Brown rice pilaf with vegetables is a fantastic recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire. It’s nourishing, easy to make, and flexible enough to accommodate whatever ingredients you have on hand.

The combination of wholesome brown rice and fresh vegetables delivers both flavor and nutrition, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting guests, this pilaf is sure to please. Its vibrant colors and hearty taste will satisfy your cravings while keeping your meal balanced and healthy.

Plus, it’s a great gateway recipe for anyone wanting to explore more plant-based meals.

Next time you’re in the mood for a simple, delicious, and nutritious dish, give this brown rice pilaf with vegetables a try—you won’t regret it!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Brown Rice Pilaf with Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and healthy brown rice pilaf cooked with a mix of colorful vegetables. Perfect as a side dish or light main course.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup brown rice”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 small onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 medium carrot, diced”, “1/2 cup frozen peas”, “1/2 cup diced bell pepper”, “1/4 cup chopped celery”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse the brown rice under cold water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrot, bell pepper, and celery; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in the brown rice and toast for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45g”}}