Imagine a mouthwatering, aromatic rice dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience in just 40 minutes! This One Pot Spicy Vegetable Rice is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of India. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave delicious, nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly easy and irresistibly tasty.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Heat olive oil in a large one-pot pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1 minute to release their aromatic flavors.
- Add mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers) and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle chili powder and salt over the vegetables, stirring to ensure even coating.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan and gently stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.
- Pour in vegetable broth, ensuring all rice and vegetables are submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to steam and absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, check seasoning, and serve hot as a complete one-pot meal.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains.
- Spice Freshness Matters: Use fresh, high-quality spices like cumin seeds and chili powder to maximize flavor intensity.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to swap or add different vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
- Liquid Ratio: Maintain the 2:1 liquid to rice ratio for perfectly cooked, moist rice every time.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Keep the heat low after initial boiling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Resting Time: Don't skip the 5-minute resting period after cooking – this allows the rice to absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly tender.
- Garnish Options: Consider topping with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of yogurt for added freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
