Sugar-Free Spicy Rice

Savor the bold flavors of Sugar-Free Spicy Rice, a vibrant and wholesome dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines fragrant basmati or jasmine rice with a medley of warming spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika, enhanced by the zing of fresh ginger and optional red chili flakes for a customizable kick. Tossed with tender green peas, juicy tomatoes, and garnished with fresh cilantro, this sugar-free recipe offers a guilt-free, nutrient-packed option perfect as a standalone meal or a versatile side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts looking for bold, aromatic comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium tomato, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup green peas (optional, for texture)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping together when cooked.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the rice and 2 cups of water to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the diced tomato, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, paprika, and red chili flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse and the tomato to soften.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the green peas (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Add the cooked rice to the skillet and gently mix until the rice is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Be careful not to mash the rice.

Step 9

Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Step 10

Serve warm as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite protein or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1179.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	725.6

Total Fat 32.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1501.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 94.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.5g	0%
Total Sugars 15.8g
Protein 18.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 175.5mg	0%
Iron 6.8mg	0%
Potassium 1177.0mg	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: 38.9%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 51.2%