Vegetable rice is a versatile, tasty and easy to prepare dish. It can be served as a main dish for a light meal or as a side dish for proteins like chicken or fish. In this recipe, we focus on flavors by using fresh vegetables and simple but effective spices. Whether you are vegetarian or looking for a quick idea for dinner, this vegetable rice will delight your taste buds.
The Benefits of Rice with Vegetables
Vegetable rice is not only delicious, but also nutritious:
- Rice : Source of energy thanks to complex carbohydrates.
- Vegetables : Rich in fiber, essential vitamins and minerals.
- Spices : Aid digestion and provide authentic flavors.
It’s a balanced dish that’s suitable for the whole family, and it’s also economical and easy to customize to your tastes.
Ingredients for Vegetable Rice
For 4 people:
- 200 g basmati rice or long grain rice
- 1 carrot : Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 zucchini : Adds a melting texture.
- 1 red or yellow pepper : Adds a crunchy and slightly sweet touch.
- 100 g of peas (fresh or frozen) : For a mild flavor and a beautiful green color.
- 1 onion : Essential aromatic base.
- 2 cloves of garlic : To enhance the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric : For its golden color and its benefits.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin : For a subtly spicy aroma.
- 400 ml of water or vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper : To taste.
- A few leaves of fresh coriander or parsley : For garnish.
Necessary Utensils
- A large saucepan or wok for preparing the rice.
- A cutting board and a knife for vegetables.
- A wooden spoon for stirring.
Steps to Prepare Vegetable Rice
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and peel the carrot and zucchini. Cut them into small cubes for even cooking.
- Slice the onion and crush the garlic cloves.
- Cut the pepper into small pieces.
2. Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice in cold water to remove excess starch. This will ensure that the grains are well separated.
- Cook the rice in a saucepan with lightly salted water (or follow package directions). Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add the carrot and pepper, then sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and peas. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring regularly.
4. Add Spices
- Sprinkle the turmeric and cumin over the vegetables. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Pour the vegetable stock or 200ml of water into the pan and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.
5. Mix Rice and Vegetables
- Add the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables. Mix gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve Vegetable Rice
- Transfer the vegetable rice to a large serving platter or serve directly onto plates.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Ideal Accompaniments
- A light green salad.
- A plain yogurt or a lemon sauce to add freshness.
- Proteins like chicken skewers, grilled fish or stir-fried tofu.
Tips for Perfect Vegetable Rice
- Customize your vegetables : Add mushrooms, green beans or spinach depending on the season.
- Vary the spices : Replace the cumin with sweet paprika or add a little chili pepper for a spicy version.
- Add nuts or seeds : Slivered almonds or toasted sesame seeds add a crunchy texture.
- Double the proportions : Prepare a large quantity so that you have leftovers to reheat the next day.
Why Choose Vegetable Rice?
- Balanced and nourishing : It contains complex carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins.
- Practical : Easy to prepare in one pot, which reduces washing up.
- Adaptable : Suitable for vegetarians, vegans and can be enriched with proteins.
- Perfect for budget meals : Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use another type of rice?
Yes, brown rice, jasmine rice or even basmati rice work well. Just adjust the cooking time.
How to store leftover vegetable rice?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 to 3 days. Reheat over low heat with a little water or broth.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Vegetable rice is perfect for batch cooking. It can be reheated without losing its flavors.
Is vegetable rice suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Make sure the vegetable broth used is certified gluten-free.
Can you add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can add chicken pieces, tofu or even sautéed shrimp for a more complete version.
What are the best vegetables to use?
Any seasonal vegetable works well: squash, broccoli, cauliflower, or even grilled vegetables.

Riz aux Légumes Savoureux
Ingrédients
- 200 g de riz basmati ou riz long grain
- 1 carotte : Donne de la douceur et de la couleur.
- 1 courgette : Ajoute une texture fondante.
- 1 poivron rouge ou jaune : Apporte une touche croquante et légèrement sucrée.
- 100 g de petits pois frais ou surgelés : Pour une saveur douce et une belle couleur verte.
- 1 oignon : Base aromatique essentielle.
- 2 gousses d’ail : Pour relever le goût.
- 2 cuillères à soupe d’huile d’olive
- 1 cuillère à café de curcuma : Pour sa couleur dorée et ses bienfaits.
- 1 cuillère à café de cumin moulu : Pour un arôme subtilement épicé.
- 400 ml d’eau ou de bouillon de légumes
- Sel et poivre : Selon vos goûts.
- Quelques feuilles de coriandre ou de persil frais : Pour la garniture.
Instructions
Préparer les Ingrédients
- Lavez et épluchez la carotte et la courgette. Coupez-les en petits dés pour une cuisson uniforme.
- Émincez l’oignon et écrasez les gousses d’ail.
- Découpez le poivron en petits morceaux.
Cuire le Riz
- Rincez le riz à l’eau froide pour retirer l’excès d’amidon. Cela permet d’obtenir des grains bien séparés.
- Faites cuire le riz dans une casserole avec de l’eau légèrement salée (ou suivez les instructions sur l’emballage). Égouttez et réservez.
Faire Sauter les Légumes
- Dans une grande poêle ou un wok, chauffez l’huile d’olive à feu moyen.
- Ajoutez l’oignon et l’ail, et faites revenir jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient translucides.
- Ajoutez la carotte et le poivron, puis faites sauter pendant environ 5 minutes.
- Incorporez la courgette et les petits pois. Laissez cuire encore 5 à 7 minutes en remuant régulièrement.
Ajouter les Épices
- Saupoudrez le curcuma et le cumin sur les légumes. Mélangez bien pour enrober les légumes d’épices.
- Versez le bouillon de légumes ou 200 ml d’eau dans la poêle et laissez mijoter pendant 5 minutes pour que les saveurs se mélangent.
Mélanger le Riz et les Légumes
- Incorporez le riz cuit dans la poêle avec les légumes. Mélangez délicatement pour éviter de casser les grains de riz.
- Rectifiez l’assaisonnement avec du sel et du poivre.