Description
This flavorful One Pot Rice recipe combines basmati rice with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and vegetable broth to create a simple, comforting, and wholesome meal. It’s a perfect one-pot dish that is easy to prepare and cooks quickly on the stovetop, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Spices and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil and Toast Spices: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aroma.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and carrot and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften but still retain some texture.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and paprika, stirring thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Add Rice: Mix in the drained basmati rice, ensuring it is well combined with the vegetables and spices.
- Pour Broth and Season: Pour in the vegetable broth, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, until the rice absorbs the broth and is tender.
- Steam Rest: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes so the rice can steam and become fluffy.
- Add Peas: Gently stir in the frozen peas, allowing them to warm through from the residual heat without overcooking.
- Fluff and Garnish: Fluff the rice delicately with a fork to separate the grains, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky.
- To keep peas bright and fresh, add them after cooking when residual heat will gently warm them.
- This dish can be customized by adding your preferred vegetables or proteins.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth if you want to control salt content.
- Serve with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
