Are you looking for a simple, delicious, and nutritious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes? This vegetable rice recipe is the perfect option! Packed with vibrant vegetables, fluffy rice, and aromatic seasonings, it’s a dish that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavors and health benefits. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish for a larger meal, this one-pan vegetable rice will be your go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Rice Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh vegetables.
- Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or protein to make it more filling.
- One-Pan Meal – Less mess and fewer dishes to clean.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free – Perfect for various dietary needs.
Ingredients
To make this simple vegetable rice recipe, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice (basmati, jasmine, or brown rice for a healthier option)
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup chopped green beans
- ½ cup green peas
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 small red chili (optional, finely chopped for a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for extra flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice lovers)
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional for a warm, earthy flavor)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions: How to Make Vegetable Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
If you don’t have pre-cooked rice, cook 1 cup of rice and let it cool slightly. Using leftover rice works great for this recipe as it prevents mushy texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the diced carrots, green beans, and green peas. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables become slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Next, add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well with the vegetables. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Season the Rice
Add salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and cumin powder. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes & Garnish
Toss in the diced tomatoes and mix lightly. Cook for just 1 minute to keep the tomatoes fresh and slightly juicy. Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Your delicious vegetable rice is ready! Serve it warm as a main dish or pair it with grilled chicken, tofu, or a simple side salad.
Calories & Nutritional Information
A serving of this vegetable rice (approximately 1 cup) contains:
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Vegetable Rice
- Use Leftover Rice – Day-old rice works best as it’s drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Customize Your Veggies – You can add bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for variety.
- Enhance the Flavor – A dash of soy sauce or lemon juice can add extra zest to your dish.
- Make It a Full Meal – Add protein like scrambled eggs, tofu, shrimp, or chicken for a heartier meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Brown Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients, making the dish even healthier. Just keep in mind that it takes longer to cook.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Vegetable Rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
3. Can I Freeze Vegetable Rice?
Yes! Let the rice cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
This vegetable rice recipe is an easy, healthy, and delicious meal that fits any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a tasty side dish, this recipe will not disappoint. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!
Looking for more quick and healthy recipes? Stay tuned for more nutritious meal ideas! 🍛🥕