Boiled Rice Recipe With Vegetables Easy and Delicious Ideas

Boiled rice with vegetables is a timeless comfort dish that combines simplicity with wholesome nutrition. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick meal or a home cook eager to add a healthy twist to your dinner table, this recipe is a perfect go-to.

It’s not just about boiling rice; it’s about infusing it with fresh, crunchy vegetables and subtle aromatic spices to elevate a basic staple into a vibrant, satisfying dish. This versatile recipe is customizable and works well as a main course or a hearty side dish.

In this post, I’ll guide you through a foolproof method to prepare fluffy boiled rice mixed with a colorful medley of vegetables. You’ll find it easy to follow, packed with tips for best results, and suggestions for variations to suit your taste and pantry.

Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and ideal for anyone looking to boost their vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This boiled rice with vegetables recipe is a wonderful blend of nutrition, ease, and taste. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables that bring a natural sweetness and crunch, balanced by perfectly cooked rice that is light and fluffy.

The recipe is designed to be flexible, allowing you to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies or whatever you have on hand.

Beyond its delicious taste, it’s a budget-friendly dish that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet, offering both fiber and essential vitamins in every bite.

If you appreciate wholesome, straightforward cooking that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed well
• 2 cups water (for boiling rice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or any neutral oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), diced
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for freshness)

Equipment

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook fluffy and separate.
2. Optional soaking: Soak the rice in water for 15-20 minutes if you have time. This reduces cooking time and improves texture.
3. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed (and drained) rice along with a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
4. Fluff the rice: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
5. Sauté the vegetables: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and toast them for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning.
7. Add vegetables and spices: Add diced carrot, bell peppers, peas, and broccoli florets. Season with turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
8. Combine rice and vegetables: Add the cooked rice into the pan with sautéed vegetables. Gently fold everything together to mix well without mashing the rice.
9. Finish with fresh flavors: Drizzle lemon juice over the rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve warm: Transfer to a serving dish or plate and enjoy your wholesome boiled rice with vegetables!

Tips & Variations

“For the fluffiest rice, avoid stirring the rice while it cooks and resist the urge to lift the lid frequently.”

You can easily customize this recipe by swapping in your favorite vegetables. Try adding corn kernels, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more variety.

For a protein boost, toss in cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes.

If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or add a dash of your favorite spice blend like this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend. For a more aromatic flavor, experiment with adding a cinnamon stick or cardamom pods to the rice water before cooking.

Want to make it a one-pot meal? Try cooking the rice and vegetables together by adding the vegetables to the pot halfway through the rice cooking process.

Just be mindful of vegetable cooking times!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This boiled rice with vegetables pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a warm lentil dal or a rich curry to complete your meal.

It also works well as a base for a hearty Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal, topped with avocado and salsa for a southwestern twist.

For a lighter option, serve it with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. You can also complement it with a dollop of homemade vegan yogurt or chutney for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion

Boiled rice with vegetables is a delightful and nourishing dish that brings the best of both worlds: the comforting simplicity of rice and the vibrant health benefits of fresh vegetables. This recipe is easy to prepare, adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based meal.

Its flexibility means you can enjoy it as a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even as part of a larger feast for friends and family.

Beyond its taste and nutrition, this dish encourages mindful cooking and eating, reminding us that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. Don’t forget to explore more vegetarian and vegan recipes on the site, such as the A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or the Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Boiled Rice with Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and healthy boiled rice dish mixed with fresh vegetables. Perfect as a quick and nutritious meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup long-grain white rice”, “2 cups water”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 small onion, chopped”, “1 medium carrot, diced”, “1/2 cup frozen peas”, “1/2 red bell pepper, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon dried thyme”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrot, bell pepper, and peas; cook for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add rice, water, salt, pepper, and thyme; bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff rice with a fork and stir in fresh parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “4 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}