Vegan Flavorful Vegetable Rice

Brighten up your meal routine with this Vegan Flavorful Vegetable Rice, a one-pot wonder that's as nourishing as it is delicious! This vibrant recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with a medley of colorful vegetables like red bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, all infused with fragrant spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro add a refreshing finish to this satisfying dish. Perfect as a standalone meal or a hearty side, this recipe is quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Packed with plant-based goodness, this vegan rice dish is packed with flavor and nutrition—perfectly balanced to delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 0.5 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 medium lemon, juiced

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 5

Add the diced carrot, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 6

Stir in the turmeric, coriander powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.

Step 7

Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir gently to combine with the vegetables and spices.

Step 8

Pour in the water and bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 9

After 15 minutes, add the frozen peas on top of the rice and cover again. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 10

Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 11

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, and stir in fresh cilantro and lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

Step 12

Serve warm as a standalone dish or as a side with your favorite vegan protein.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1371.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	748.9

Total Fat 32.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2460.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.3g	0%
Total Sugars 21.9g
Protein 19.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 249.3mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 1642.7mg	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: 37.3%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 52.6%