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How to Make Vegetable Rice: An Easy & Simple Recipe
homemade vegetable riceÂ
Leave the chicken and meat behind! We're cooking a wholesome, nutritious, and delicious vegetable rice recipe. With fewer ingredients, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for anyone looking for a quick yet healthy meal.
Do cooking the easy way—cook with joy and make it fun for everyone!
This simple vegetable rice recipe is all about flavor, health, and ease. Follow along and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice (or any long-grain rice)
2 cups water
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, diced
1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup bell peppers (any color), chopped
2 tablespoons oil (ghee or butter)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for spice)
Salt, to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Before We Start
Cooking vegetable rice is easy and fun! Here's how to make it hassle-free:
Use a normal cooking pot if you don’t have a cooker.
Feel free to add a variety of vegetables, but avoid cucumber, radishes, beets, okra, or eggplant for this recipe.
Use any oil you have, but I’ll use ghee for its rich flavor.
When adding rice to the pot, make sure the flame is on high heat.
You can use broth instead of water for added flavor.
The dum (low-heat steaming) should be done on low flame for at least 15 minutes—longer if needed.
To measure the right amount of water, stir the water with a spoon—if it feels smooth, it’s perfect.
Cook vegetables on a medium flame to retain their texture and flavor.
Enjoy the process, and let’s cook delicious vegetable rice together!
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Take 1 cup of basmati rice and wash it thoroughly to remove excess starch.
Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Toss in the chopped onions and sauté until golden to enhance the flavor.
Add carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 3: Add Spices
Stir in turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt.
Mix well, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Strain the soaked rice and add it to the pan on high flame.
Pour in enough water (about 2 cups). Stir gently with a spoon—if it feels smooth, it's good.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover the pot with a lid. Lower the flame and let it cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
Step 6: Garnish
Once done, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness.
How to Serve?
Plate it up:
Take a plate and serve the vegetable rice. Sprinkle some chopped coriander on top.
Optional fried onions:
Slice 1 onion and fry it in oil over medium heat until pinkish. Lower the flame, stir, and let it crisp up.
Place the fried onions on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Add these crunchy onions on top for a "desi" twist—you’ll love the extra taste!
Enjoy your flavorful, nutritious vegetable rice!
Conclusion
How to Make Vegetable Rice: Easy & Simple Recipe
Steps to Cook Vegetable Rice:
Take 1 cup of washed rice, soak it in water for 20 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
Add chopped vegetables—carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Sauté well.
Mix in spices like turmeric powder, salt, and red chili powder.
Strain the soaked rice and add it to the pan over high flame.
Pour in enough water to allow the spoon to stir smoothly in the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the flame to low, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the vegetable rice on a plate, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon. For an enhanced taste, add crispy fried onions on top.
For more ideas, check out my other recipes:
P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, LinkedIn for more recipes, tips, and ideas🌿
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FAQs
What is vegetable rice made of?
Vegetable rice includes rice and a variety of vegetables like capsicum, cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and peas. These are sautéed with seasonings and cooked together to create a flavorful and nutritious dish.
Do we use chicken in vegetable rice?
Chicken isn’t traditionally added to vegetable rice, but you can enhance its protein content by adding shredded or diced chicken. It’s optional and depends on personal preference.
What vegetables go with rice?
Vegetables like carrots, capsicum, beans, peas, onions, broccoli, spinach, and zucchini complement rice well. Choose vegetables that balance the flavors for the best taste.
How to cook rice in 3 steps?
1. Rinse: Wash rice to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
2. Cook: Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, boil, then simmer covered until tender.
3. Fluff: Let the rice rest, then fluff with a fork before serving.
How can I flavor rice?
The sautéed base of vegetable rice, with oil, garlic, and ginger paste, adds flavor. Cooking rice with vegetables and spices like cumin or bay leaves enhances the taste further.
What is the main ingredient in rice?
Rice itself is the main ingredient. Popular varieties include basmati, sela, jasmine, and short-grain rice, each with its unique flavor and texture.
What are 4 different cooking methods for rice?
1. Boiling: Fully submerge rice in water to cook.
2. Steaming: Use steam to cook rice gently.
3. Pilaf Method: Sauté rice with spices before adding liquid.
4. Rice Cooker: An automatic, hands-free option.
How do you cook new crop rice?
New crop rice has higher moisture content and cooks faster. Use slightly less water and adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How to cook 1 cup of rice in a rice cooker?
Rinse the rice, then add it to the rice cooker with 2 cups of water. For every cup of rice, double the water. Let the rice cooker run until it switches to "warm."
How to cook rice and steamed vegetables at the same time?
Use a steamer basket or tray over the rice in a pot or rice cooker. The steam from the rice will cook the vegetables simultaneously.
Can I soak rice overnight?
Yes, soaking rice overnight reduces cooking time, improves digestibility, and creates a softer texture. Short-grain rice needs about 20 minutes of soaking, while basmati benefits from longer soaking.
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