Description
A simple, affordable, and versatile vegetable rice side dish that uses pantry staples and cheap produce. It is quick to make, perfect for meal prep, and naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups white or brown rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice onion and carrots, mince garlic, and rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and carrots, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in minced garlic and dried herbs, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Add rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with oil, toasting for about 2 minutes until slightly opaque.
- Simmer: Pour in vegetable broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Add peas and rest: Remove from heat, stir in peas, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to allow residual heat to cook peas and fluff rice.
- Serve: Uncover, fluff rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.
Notes
Toast the rice before adding liquid for better flavor. Keep the lid on during simmering to trap steam. Use store-brand ingredients to save money. Can be customized with other vegetables on sale. Brown rice requires more water and longer cooking time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: budget friendly, vegetable rice, cheap side dish, meal prep, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, easy dinner, comfort food