Hey there! If you’re tired of plain white rice and want to add a pop of vibrancy to your meals, one pot rice veggie rice is the way to go. This rice recipe combines the tender goodness of peas, the earthy sweetness of shredded carrots and the aromatic richness of sauteed onions. Its not only beautiful but also bursts with flavor. As someone who truly appreciates the art of cooking and the importance of a balanced meal, I’ve fallen in love with it . Its rich flavors and lively colors never fail to put a smile on my face. Its a great way to sneak some more veggies into your meals. Whether you’re seeking a fulfilling meal or a creative way to encourage veggie consumption, this dish undoubtedly deserves a special place in your recipe collection.

Why should you make this recipe?

Convenience of a One-Pot Recipe: Since the rice and the veggies cook at the same time, this recipe minimizes the cleanup and makes your life in the kitchen easier. Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal and spend with your loved ones.
Boosting Vegetable Intake: If you’re looking to increase your vegetable consumption, this recipe is a fantastic choice. It incorporates colorful vegetables, providing essential nutrients and fiber. It’s a delicious way to ensure you’re getting your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Pleasing Picky Eaters: It’s a great way to introduce veggies to picky eaters, as the vibrant colors and tasty flavors can make them more appealing.

In summary, making this one-pot recipe is a convenient, health-conscious, and palate-pleasing choice. It’s a versatile dish that can easily become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

Rice: Basmati is my choice, but you can opt for another type. Just be aware that different rice types may require adjustments to water or cooking time.
Finely Chopped Onion: Short on time? Swap it for 1 tsp of onion powder.
Carrot: Whether finely grated or diced, keep it small for even cooking.
Peas: Frozen peas work well, offering precise portions without leftovers.
Salt: While I recommend 2 tsp, feel free to adjust to your taste.
Garlic Powder: A touch of 1 tsp for garlicky goodness, or use 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
Water: The trickiest part of any rice recipe. See my notes below for guidance.

How to make rice with vegetables in one pot:

Rinse the rice: To rinse your rice thoroughly, place it in a fine-mesh sieve and run cold water over it. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear instead of cloudy.
Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by drizzling olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and carrots until onions are translucent and carrots are tender.

3. Add the Rice: Once onions and carrots are ready, introduce the rice to the pan. Mix to blend the flavors.

4. Include the Peas: Add peas to the mix, along with salt and garlic powder for enhanced taste.

5. Pour Boiling Water: Add hot water to infuse flavors and cook the rice.

Lid On, Heat Lowered: Cover the pan with a lid to trap in the steam and allow the rice to cook gently. After a while, check to make sure the water has evaporated from the top. Once you can no longer see water on top of your rice, Reduce the heat to low to ensure a slow and even cooking process that results in fluffy grains.
Check and Rest: Once the water has disappeared from the bottom of the pan, turn off the heat. You can use a fork to gently fluff the rice and check its texture. Keep the lid on the pan and let the residual heat finish off the cooking process. This gentle final step ensures that the rice reaches its perfect texture.
Ready to Serve: Your Colorful Rice is ready to enjoy! With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, it’s a perfect accompaniment to various meals.

Equipment

1 fine mesh sieve
1 Large wooden spoon or silicone spatula to mix ingredients
1 grater
1 knife
1 cutting board
1 pot with lid

Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice
1/2 small onion
1 small carrot grated
1 cup peas
1 tsp garlic
1-2 tsp salt
1 and 3/4 cup boiling water

Instructions

To rinse your rice thoroughly, place it in a fine-mesh sieve and run cold water over it. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear instead of cloudy.
Begin by drizzling olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and carrots until onions are translucent and carrots are tender.
Once onions and carrots are ready, introduce the rice to the pan. Mix to blend the flavors.
Add peas to the mix, along with salt and garlic powder for enhanced taste.
Add hot water to infuse flavors and cook the rice.
Cover the pan with a lid to trap in the steam and allow the rice to cook gently. After a while, check to make sure the water has evaporated from the top. Once you can no longer see water on top of your rice, Reduce the heat to low to ensure a slow and even cooking process that results in fluffy grains.
Once the water has disappeared from the bottom of the pan, turn off the heat. You can use a fork to gently fluff the rice and check its texture. Keep the lid on the pan and let the residual heat finish off the cooking process. This gentle final step ensures that the rice reaches its perfect texture.
Your Colorful Rice is ready to enjoy! With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, it's a perfect accompaniment to various meals.

What I can I serve this with?

This rice is a great accompaniment for so many dishes! You could try it for example with our garlic and herb pork tenderloin recipe or our grilled pesto chicken recipe or even our pesto salmon recipe, and these are just very few ideas.

Now onto FAQs:

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use a different type of rice if you prefer. However, keep in mind that different rice varieties may require adjustments in water quantities or cooking times.
Is it okay to substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder?
- Absolutely! You can use 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder if you prefer a more robust garlic flavor.
What if I want to adjust the salt level?
- Salt is a matter of personal preference. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt according to your taste.
Can I prepare the vegetables differently, like chopping the carrots into tiny pieces instead of grating them?
- Yes, you can modify the vegetable preparation to suit your preference. Just ensure that the carrots are cut small enough to cook evenly with the rice.
Do I need to use frozen peas, or can I use fresh peas?
- You can use fresh peas if you have them. However, frozen peas are convenient because they provide precise portions without any leftovers.
I’m confused about the water amount. Can you clarify it for me?
- Certainly! The water amount can be tricky when cooking rice. In this recipe, I’ve adjusted it to 1 and 3/4 cups of water for 1 cup of rice, accounting for the peas and carrots. If you are experiencing any issues with the water amount let me know and I will try to troubleshoot it with you. Alternatively, I will be writing a blog post soon on this topic and you can check that out as soon as it is available, so don’t forget to subscribe!
What type of pan should I use for this recipe?
- You can use a standard cooking pan with a lid for this recipe. Just make sure it’s large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and water comfortably.
How long does it take for the rice to cook?
- The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your stove and pan. Typically, it takes around 15-20 minutes for the rice to cook after adding the boiling water. Ensure the water has evaporated before turning off the heat and letting it rest.
Is there a way to make this recipe more quickly?
- You can save time by using pre-chopped onions or onion powder and pre-grated carrots. Additionally, using a rice cooker can simplify the cooking process.

Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have about this One pot rice with vegetables recipe! And please share with us if you decide to make it !

One pot veggie rice recipe

Why should you make this recipe?

Ingredients:

How to make rice with vegetables in one pot: