Vegan Portuguese Rice

Bright, bold, and brimming with flavor, this Vegan Portuguese Rice is a plant-based twist on a comforting classic. Featuring a medley of sautéed vegetables like red bell pepper and carrot, the dish is infused with aromatic spices such as paprika and cumin, creating a rich, savory depth. Short-grain rice is simmered to perfection in a flavorful vegetable broth and stirred with sweet, tender peas for a colorful finish. Topped with fresh parsley and served with zesty lemon wedges, this one-pot wonder is as easy to make as it is satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a vibrant side dish, this recipe is a delicious way to explore the flavors of Portuguese cuisine in a vegan-friendly way. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, making it as convenient as it is irresistible!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup short-grain rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 pieces lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced red bell pepper and carrot, and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Mix in the bay leaf, paprika, and ground cumin, stirring well to coat the vegetables in the spices.

Step 6

Add the canned diced tomatoes and continue to cook for 2 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it is fully incorporated with the vegetable mixture.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 10

Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Step 11

Gently fold in the frozen peas and allow them to warm through the residual heat.

Step 12

Discard the bay leaf, and fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 13

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 14

Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1379.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1007.1

Total Fat 41.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 4.8mg	0%
Sodium 2671.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 138.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.5g	0%
Total Sugars 34.0g
Protein 24.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 313.8mg	0%
Iron 8.5mg	0%
Potassium 2494.3mg	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: 36.4%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 54.1%