Looking to brighten up your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious? Our Confetti Rice Recipe Vegetarian is the perfect solution!
This vibrant and nutritious meal combines fluffy rice with a rainbow of fresh vegetables, creating a feast for your eyes and your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this recipe is incredibly adaptable, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor.
Confetti rice is more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and wholesome goodness. It’s perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your cooking arsenal. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your vegetarian meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This confetti rice recipe is a vibrant medley of colors and textures, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for busy days when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
The combination of fresh vegetables adds crunch and sweetness, while the herbs and spices bring a fresh, aromatic punch.
Vegetarian-friendly and adaptable, you can customize the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. It’s also a gluten-free option that can suit many dietary needs.
Plus, it’s an excellent way to use leftover rice, reducing food waste and saving time. This recipe is a reliable go-to for a healthy, colorful, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white or brown rice, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
- ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
- ½ cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari (optional, for extra umami)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for rinsing rice)
- Bowl for mixing and serving
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice and 3 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes (white rice) or 40-45 minutes (brown rice) until all the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the rice is cooking, finely dice the red and yellow bell peppers, grate the carrot, and chop the onion and garlic. Thaw the frozen peas if using.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vegetables: Toss the diced bell peppers, grated carrot, peas, and corn into the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Season the mix: Sprinkle in salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well to combine and heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Combine rice and veggies: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly.
- Finish with fresh herbs and lemon: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley or cilantro, lemon juice, and soy sauce or tamari if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm: Transfer the confetti rice to a serving bowl or individual plates, and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Use leftover cooked rice for an even quicker version of this dish. Cold rice works best for frying as it prevents mushiness.
Variation: Swap out the vegetables based on what you have available. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or green beans all make delicious additions.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or try the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to give the dish a smoky heat.
Make it a meal: Add cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes for extra protein and heartiness.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 50 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Vitamin A | 65% DV |
Vitamin C | 70% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This confetti rice is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. Serve it as a vibrant side to grilled vegetables or your favorite vegetarian curry.
It also works well as a base for a hearty grain bowl topped with avocado slices and a dollop of vegan yogurt or tahini sauce.
For a complete meal, try it alongside dishes from our collection of Asian Vegetarian Rice Bowl Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals or complement it with the fresh flavors of our Spring Rolls Recipe Vegetarian: Easy, Fresh, and Delicious.
If you’re in the mood for something creamy and comforting, try pairing the confetti rice with our Cauliflower Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe for Easy Dips for an irresistible meal.
Conclusion
The Confetti Rice Recipe Vegetarian is a vibrant and wholesome dish that brings together the best of fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked rice. Its colorful presentation and delightful textures make it a joy to eat and a beautiful addition to any meal.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
What makes this dish truly special is its flexibility. You can tailor the ingredients to suit your tastes and what you have on hand, making it a practical choice for busy lifestyles.
Plus, it pairs well with many other dishes, enhancing your meal without overshadowing other flavors. Give it a try and discover how easy and fun vegetarian cooking can be!
📖 Recipe Card: Confetti Rice Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A colorful and flavorful vegetarian rice dish packed with fresh vegetables. Perfect as a side or light main course.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat; sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add rice and stir for 2 minutes to toast lightly.
- Pour in vegetable broth, add salt, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, sauté bell peppers, carrots, and peas in a pan until tender.
- Fluff cooked rice with a fork and gently fold in the sautéed vegetables and green onions.
- Season with black pepper and garnish with cilantro if desired.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 40 g
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