Dairy-Free Spicy Rice

Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant color, Dairy-Free Spicy Rice is the perfect one-pot dish to bring warmth and excitement to your table. This easy recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper for just the right amount of heat. Sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper add layers of flavor, while fresh cilantro and a splash of zesty lemon juice provide a refreshing finish. Cooked in a savory vegetable broth, this dairy-free and vegan-friendly dish is ready in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or as a flavorful side at your next gathering. Pair it with your favorite plant-based protein or enjoy it as a satisfying standalone meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 4 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium, diced Yellow onion
• 4 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 tablespoon, grated Fresh ginger
• 1 medium, diced Red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) Salt
• 1.5 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release the flavors of the spices.

Step 7

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan, stirring well to coat the grains in the spice mixture.

Step 8

Pour in the vegetable broth and water, then stir to combine.

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 10

Simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 11

Remove the pan from the heat and allow the rice to sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 12

Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the chopped cilantro and fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 13

Serve warm as a main dish or alongside your favorite protein or vegetable side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2054.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1026.0

Total Fat 34.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3272.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 155.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 19.3g
Protein 26.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 257.8mg	0%
Iron 12.5mg	0%
Potassium 1759.6mg	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: 30.0%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 59.9%