Looking for a wholesome, colorful, and incredibly easy dish to brighten up your weeknight dinners? Veggie rice recipes are the perfect answer!
Combining fluffy rice with a vibrant medley of vegetables, these recipes are not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a busy professional, a home cook looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, or someone wanting to sneak in more veggies effortlessly, this recipe has you covered.
In a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Plus, this recipe is easily customizable to fit your pantry or preferences.
Ready to cook? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Veggie rice recipes are the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. They’re perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or convenience.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome rice.
- Versatile: Easily adapt with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
Plus, you can pair it with other delicious dishes like the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for a complete plant-based feast.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice | 1 cup | Rinsed |
| Water or vegetable broth | 2 cups | For cooking rice |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Bell peppers (mixed colors) | 1 cup | Diced |
| Carrots | 1/2 cup | Grated or finely chopped |
| Frozen peas | 1/2 cup | Thawed |
| Green beans | 1/2 cup | Chopped |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste | |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional, for warmth |
| Fresh parsley or cilantro | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Optional, for brightness |
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid – for cooking rice
- Large skillet or wok – for sautéing vegetables
- Sharp knife – to chop vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring
- Strainer or colander – to rinse rice and drain veggies (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Place 1 cup of long-grain white rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffy rice.
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the vegetables: While rice is cooking, chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice bell peppers, grate or finely chop carrots, chop green beans, and thaw peas if frozen.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, green beans, and peas. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp. Season with salt, black pepper, and ground cumin (if using).
- Combine rice and veggies: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it to the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Gently stir to combine everything evenly and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with fresh flavors: Stir in chopped parsley or cilantro and drizzle with lemon juice for a fresh, zesty kick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot: Transfer to serving bowls or plates and enjoy your colorful, nutritious veggie rice!
Tips & Variations
“Feel free to customize this recipe with whatever veggies you have on hand. Zucchini, corn, mushrooms, or spinach all work beautifully.”
If you want to add some protein, toss in cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes during step 5. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some smoked paprika or a dash of soy sauce when stir-frying the vegetables.
Looking for inspiration to pair this dish? Try our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade or dive into Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for a tasty meal combo.
To keep things low-carb, substitute rice with cauliflower rice. Cook it lightly to maintain a nice texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120% DV |
| Vitamin C | 90% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This veggie rice is a fantastic standalone meal or a versatile side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled tofu, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a light lunch.
For a heartier option, serve alongside dishes like the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or the Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today to create a satisfying plant-based dinner.
Leftovers make a great base for veggie fried rice the next day — just add soy sauce and scrambled tofu or your favorite protein substitute!
Conclusion
Easy veggie rice recipes are a must-have in every kitchen. They bring a burst of color, flavor, and nutrition to your table with minimal effort.
This simple recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, offering flexibility to adapt based on what’s in your fridge.
Not only does it make a wholesome meal, but it also encourages creativity in the kitchen. You can experiment with different vegetables, spices, and add-ins to keep things exciting.
Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet without sacrificing convenience or taste.
Ready to whip up this delightful dish? Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and don’t forget to check out other tasty recipes like our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for more inspiration.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Veggie Rice
Description: A quick and healthy veggie rice recipe packed with colorful vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add diced carrots and bell peppers; cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
- Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Add frozen peas and corn, cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in fresh parsley.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 45 g
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