Learn how to make the best-mixed vegetable rice that is quick, easy, and perfect for any weeknight. It is simple yet flavorful. The rice is light, fluffy, delicious, and obviously packed with veggies your body will thank you for.
Love rice with veggies? Try my stir-fried vegetable rice, Chimichurri rice, and Christmas rice (that you can serve any time of the year?
Rice is a staple in my home, and today's rice recipe is one close to my heart. I grew up eating this vegetable rice as a child, and it has remained one of my all-time favorite dishes. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be made in no time, making it perfect for those busy weeknight meals. Very versatile, this veggie rice can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own as a main course.
The best part about this recipe is that you can customize it to your liking by using different vegetables and rice or adding your favorite herbs and spices. It's a versatile dish that will surely become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Related recipe: how to cook frozen mixed veggies
Why you will love this recipe
- Colorful and flavorful side to many main dishes, this rice with vegetables is perfect with everything.
- Economical but doesn't taste like it as it doesn't comprise on taste.
- Fluffy rice with tender, crisp vegetables.
- Ready in 30 minutes.
- No chopping is involved. You will need frozen vegetables, dried spices, and herbs.
What you will need
Raw rice: I used golden sella basmati rice. If you use any other type of rice, adjust the water ratio and cooking time to suit accordingly.
Frozen vegetables
Curry powder: Mild or hot curry would work with this recipe
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Thyme: I used dried thyme, but you can use fresh one or substitute it with any other herbs you prefer
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Parsley: I used dried parsley.
Chicken bouillon powder
Salt and white pepper
How to make mixed vegetable rice
Cook the frozen veg first: Place a shallow skillet or cast iron pot on medium heat; add butter and 1 Tablespoon water. Cover with a lid and cook for 3 minutes; stir to combine, then season with ½ teaspoon curry powder, salt, and white pepper. Stir to combine, transfer the cooked mixed vegetables to a plate, and return the skillet to the heat.
Add olive oil and 2 Tablespoons of butter to the skillet to melt. Next, add curry powder, dried parsley, and thyme, stir, and cook the spices for about 30 seconds to bloom them.
Add rinsed rice and stir to combine. Add water, chicken bouillon powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper to taste and stir to combine, deglazing the pan simultaneously.
Bring the rice to a rapid boil, then reduce the heat to low, and cook the rice covered with a lid for 15-20 minutes or until tender to your liking.
Add the cooked mixed vegetables to the rice and stir to combine. Check for salt and adjust accordingly. Place the lid back on the pan and leave to rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the vegetable rice with any protein of your choice, such as chicken, beef, or fish. You can also enjoy it on its own for a delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal.
Watch how to make it
How to store
Leftover vegetable rice will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure the rice is piping when you reheat it.
You can also freeze this rice in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips for the best vegetable rice
- For added flavor, substitute butter with ghee or coconut oil.
- Add some diced chicken or shrimp to make it a protein-packed meal.
- Use brown rice for a healthier option. Note that it takes longer to cook than normal long-grain rice.
- Don't have curry powder? Use your favorite spice blend, or add some turmeric, cumin, and coriander for a similar flavor profile.
- Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Feel free to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones; adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Instead of using water, you can also use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
More rice recipes you should try next
Chicken and rice with mushroom
Mixed Vegetable Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup raw rice Rinsed until the water runs clear. see note
- 3 cups frozen vegetables
- ½ Tablespoon curry powder
- 2 Tablespoon unsalted butter divided into two
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
- 1 Tablespoon chicken bouillon powder or as needed
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 3 cup water
Instructions
- Place a shallow skillet or cast iron pot on medium heat; add 1 Tablespoon butter and 1 Tablespoon water. Cover with a lid and cook for 3 minutes. Stir to combine, then season with ½ teaspoon curry powder, salt, and white pepper. Stir to combine, transfer the cooked mixed vegetables to a plate, and return the skillet to the heat.
- Add olive oil and 1 Tablespoons of butter to the skillet to melt. Add curry powder, dried parsley, and thyme, stir, and cook the spices for about 30 seconds to bloom them.
- Add rinsed rice and stir to combine. Add water, chicken bouillon powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper to taste and stir to combine, deglazing the pan simultaneously.
- Bring the rice to a rapid boil, then reduce the heat to low, and cook the rice covered with a lid for 15-20 minutes or until tender to your liking.
- Add the cooked mixed vegetables to the rice and stir to combine. Check for salt and adjust accordingly. Place the lid back on the pan and leave to rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve the vegetable rice with any protein of your choice, such as chicken, beef, or fish. You can also enjoy it on its own for a delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal. Enjoy
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
And there you have it, a simple and delicious rice recipe you can make at home in no time. As always, if you made this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Kindly rate the recipe 5 star and leave me feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save it away to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox.
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