One-Pot Vegetable Rice is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines a variety of vegetables with rice, all cooked together in one pot for a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, balanced meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Add Bell Peppers and Carrot: Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and carrot to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Zucchini and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced zucchini and tomatoes. Cook for another 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
- Add Rice: Pour the rice into the pot with the vegetables. Stir to coat the rice with the oil and mix with the vegetables.
- Add Seasonings: Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Add Broth and Cook
- Add Vegetable Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth. Stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Add Frozen Peas: About 5 minutes before the rice is done, stir in the frozen peas. Continue cooking until the rice is fully cooked and the peas are heated through.
- Fluff Rice: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish: Garnish the vegetable rice with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve Hot: Serve the one-pot vegetable rice hot as a main dish or a side dish.
Cooking Notes
- Rice Type: Long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine works best for this recipe. Avoid using instant or quick-cooking rice as they may become mushy.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn, green beans, or spinach for added nutrition and variety.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spices to your taste. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Variations
Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice to keep the dish low-carb. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as cauliflower rice cooks much faster.
Gluten-Free Version:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients, particularly the vegetable broth, are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Vegan Version:
- This recipe is already vegan. Ensure all ingredients, particularly the vegetable broth, are plant-based.
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Vegetable Rice
- Even Cooking: Make sure to dice the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Stirring: Stir the rice occasionally while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Resting Time: Let the dish rest, covered, for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the rice to fully absorb the flavors and makes it easier to fluff.
One-Pot Vegetable Rice is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender vegetables and flavorful rice creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this one-pot wonder and savor the delightful blend of ingredients!
Enjoy your One-Pot Vegetable Rice!
