Are you craving a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this delightful Basmati Minute Rice with Vegetables recipe!
Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a wholesome dish in a flash, this recipe combines the aromatic charm of basmati rice with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables. Not only does it come together in minutes thanks to the convenience of minute rice, but it also packs a punch of colors, textures, and nutrients that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you energized.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is incredibly adaptable and forgiving. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your mood or pantry.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies for a balanced meal. If you love dishes that are both simple and satisfying, keep reading to discover how to prepare this easy, tasty, and colorful basmati rice bowl that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Speed and Convenience: Using minute rice ensures that your meal is ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Versatility: You can easily switch up the vegetables or spices to match your preferences or what you have on hand.
Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with fresh vegetables, this dish offers fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants alongside the fragrant basmati rice.
Flavorful: The aromatic basmati rice combined with sautéed veggies and subtle seasonings creates a delicious harmony of flavors.
Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and can be made vegan or gluten-free with a few simple tweaks!
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati minute rice
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water for cooking rice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any colors)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a fresh finish)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for rinsing vegetables)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the basmati minute rice, stir, cover with a lid, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
- Sauté the aromatics: While the rice is resting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the diced carrots, chopped bell peppers, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until veggies are tender but still crisp.
- Add peas and warm through: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes. Season the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine rice and vegetables: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Gently toss everything together to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with fresh flavor: Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice if using. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
Tips & Variations
“Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand — zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or green beans all work beautifully in this recipe!”
For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes during the vegetable cooking stage. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or try this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to spice things up.
To make this dish gluten-free, simply ensure your broth is gluten-free, as minute basmati rice is naturally gluten-free.
Want to add a nutty crunch? Toasted cashews or sliced almonds make a wonderful garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Protein | 5 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Vitamin A | 150% DV |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This basmati minute rice with vegetables is a perfect standalone meal, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides. Serve alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette for a crisp contrast.
For a heartier meal, pair it with some roasted or grilled tofu seasoned with herbs and spices. It also complements well with Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal, adding smoky, spicy elements to your dining experience.
If you enjoy experimenting with grains and rice dishes, check out Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for more ideas.
Conclusion
This Basmati Minute Rice with Vegetables recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a tasty, nutritious, and speedy meal. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a home-cooked dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
The blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic rice makes it colorful and inviting, while the flexibility of the recipe means you can tweak it endlessly to suit your tastes and pantry staples.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish offers a wonderful balance of flavor, texture, and nourishment. Plus, it’s a great gateway to exploring more vegetarian and vegan recipes that emphasize wholesome, plant-based eating.
For more inspiration, be sure to explore our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion collection. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Basmati Minute Rice with Vegetables
Description: A quick and flavorful basmati rice dish loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati minute rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrot; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in peas, salt, pepper, and cumin powder.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Stir in basmati minute rice, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 36 g
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