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easy vegetable pilau rice

Easy Vegetable Pilau Rice Recipe (Delicious One-Pot Meal)

This easy vegetable pilau rice is a flavorful one-pot dish made with fragrant spices, rice, and colorful vegetables. Inspired by East African cuisine, it’s the perfect meat-free meal for family dinners or hosting guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine East African
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 1 Medium saucepan with lid – for cooking the rice
  • 1 Large sauté pan or sufuria with lid – for preparing the vegetable stew and combining with rice
  • 1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring vegetables and spices
  • 1 grater – for fresh ginger and garlic
  • A Cutting board and knife – for chopping vegetables
  • measuring spoons and cups as needed – for spices, oil, and rice
  • Fork – to fluff the rice without breaking the grains· 

Ingredients
  

Base:

  • 2 cups rice (washed and drained)
  • 4 cups hot water
  • ½ tsp salt (for the rice)
  • ¾ tsp turmeric powder (for vibrancy & color)

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup fresh green peas
  • 2 medium carrots (chopped)
  • 2 medium courgettes/zucchini (chopped)
  • 1 medium green pepper (diced)
  • 3 tbsps. fresh coriander (dhania), chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes (grated)
  • 1 large onion (chopped)

Aromatics & Spices:

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1 tbsp fresh garlic (grated)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp pilau masala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Oil:

  • 7 tbsps. cooking oil

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Rice with Turmeric

  • In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of hot water to a gentle boil.
  • Add ½ teaspoon salt and the turmeric powder to give the rice its beautiful golden color.
  • Stir in the washed rice and bring it to a simmer.
  • Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to very low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook slowly. This method saves energy while allowing the rice to cook evenly.
    Check occasionally and fluff gently with a fork when done. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base for the Vegetables

  • While the rice is cooking, let’s start working on the vegetables.
    In a separate pan, heat the cooking oil on medium heat.
  • Sauté the onion until lightly golden. Add the garlic and ginger. Let them cook until aromatic and dark golden (not burnt).
  • Stir in the grated tomatoes and tomato paste. Cover and let this mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and tender.
    Stir to break them down further.

Step 3: Add Spices to Build Flavor

  • Now it’s time to infuse the stew with classic pilau flavors.
    Add the pilau masala, paprika, black pepper (optional), and salt.
  • Stir the mixture well and let the spices cook into the tomato base for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vegetables in Stages

  • To preserve texture and taste, we’ll add the vegetables gradually based on their cooking times.
    First, add the fresh green peas. Stir and add a few tablespoons of water.
    Cover and simmer for 5 minutes on low heat to soften the peas.
  • Next, add the carrots. Cover again and let cook for another 5 minutes until just tender.
  • Then, stir in the courgettes /zucchini. Cook for 1–2 minutes—just until slightly soft.
  • Finally, add the green pepper and coriander (dhania). Stir everything well and cover for a final 30 seconds to retain the vegetables’ color and crunch.
    the flavor base with the vegetables ready..

Step 5: Combine Rice with the Vegetable Stew

  • Once the vegetables are done and your rice is fully cooked, gently transfer the rice into the vegetable mixture.
  • Use a fork to carefully mix the rice and vegetables together, ensuring even distribution without mashing the grains.
    the flavor and vegetable base combined with the rice.
  • Lower the heat and let everything sit for a minute to absorb the flavors.

Video

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Your delicious vegetable pilau rice is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot with:
  • Beef stew or chicken curry for a hearty meal.
  • Kachumbari (fresh tomato-onion salad) for a refreshing side.
  • Lentil or bean stew for a wholesome plant-based pairing.
  • A spoon of plain yogurt for a creamy, cooling contrast.
This dish also makes a wonderful packed lunch or potluck contribution.

Tips for Perfect Vegetable Pilau Rice

  • Use fresh vegetables where possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overcook the vegetables; slight crunch adds appeal.
  • Control the heat when cooking rice to prevent burning and save on gas.
  • Mix gently to avoid breaking the rice.
  • Customize spices to your family’s taste—add chili flakes if you prefer it spicier.

Storing and Reheating

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Sprinkle a bit of water before reheating on the stovetop or microwave to prevent drying out.
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