Confetti Rice Pilaf

Brighten up your dinner table with Confetti Rice Pilaf, a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. This easy recipe combines fluffy, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice with a colorful medley of finely diced vegetables, including bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and peas, creating a dish that lives up to its festive name. Toasting the rice before simmering it in savory vegetable broth infuses each grain with rich, nutty flavor, while a touch of butter and olive oil enhances its luxurious texture. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pot rice pilaf is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of brightness, and serve it alongside your favorite mains for a dish that's sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cups frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

In a large saucepan or deep skillet with a lid, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the drained rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with the butter and vegetables. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with the lid. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 8

Remove the pan from the heat and gently stir in the frozen peas. Cover the pan again and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through and the rice to finish steaming.

Step 9

Fluff the rice with a fork and taste for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Transfer the Confetti Rice Pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1707.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1232.6

Total Fat 46.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 4114.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 178.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.0g	0%
Total Sugars 35.2g
Protein 32.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 280.9mg	0%
Iron 11.3mg	0%
Potassium 2858.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.3%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 56.5%