The Best Bell Pepper and Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Add a burst of color and earthy flavor to your table with **The Best Bell Pepper and Mushroom Rice Pilaf**, a one-pot wonder that's as delicious as it is versatile. This vibrant vegetarian dish combines fluffy, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice with a medley of sautéed red and green bell peppers, tender button mushrooms, and fragrant garlic and onion. Toasted rice and a splash of paprika enhance the depth of flavor, while simmering everything in low-sodium vegetable broth ensures every grain is infused with savory goodness. Finished with a fresh parsley garnish, this easy rice pilaf is perfect as a wholesome side dish or a satisfying meat-free main course. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a go-to recipe for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or holiday spreads.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium (chopped) yellow onion
• 2 cloves (minced) garlic
• 1 medium (diced) red bell pepper
• 1 medium (diced) green bell pepper
• 1.5 cups (sliced) button mushrooms
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish) fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.

Step 5

Add the drained rice to the saucepan and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the grains with oil and butter.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and let the pilaf sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and fluff up.

Step 9

Gently fluff the rice with a fork, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a light vegetarian main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1133.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	779.4

Total Fat 41.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 32.9mg	0%
Sodium 1555.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 91.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.1g	0%
Total Sugars 15.6g
Protein 10.3g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 117.9mg	0%
Iron 5.0mg	0%
Potassium 1314.4mg	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: 47.7%

Protein: 5.3%

Carbs: 47.0%