Rating: 3.69
(112)

Smoky Spiced Veggie Rice

February 18, 2025

Smoky spiced veggie rice is a vibrant and delicious side dish that brings together the perfect blend of spices, vegetables, and rice. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor, making it a great accompaniment to grilled meats, curries, or even as a standalone vegetarian meal. The smoky flavor adds depth, while the spices create a warm, aromatic base that complements the vegetables perfectly.

At the heart of smoky spiced veggie rice is the combination of spices. Smoked paprika is the key ingredient that gives this dish its signature smoky flavor, with cumin and coriander adding earthy undertones. A touch of turmeric adds color and a mild warmth, while garlic and onion bring savory depth. Together, these spices transform the rice into a flavorful dish that stands out from simple plain rice.

The vegetables in this dish are just as important as the spices, contributing both texture and sweetness to balance the smokiness. Chopped bell peppers, carrots, and peas are popular choices, but you can easily swap or add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach. As the vegetables cook with the rice, they soak up the spices, infusing every bite with rich flavor. The rice itself becomes fluffy and perfectly seasoned, with each grain coated in a layer of aromatic spices.

This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for customization based on your preferences. For a little heat, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños, or for extra creaminess, a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of cheese can be added before serving. Smoky spiced veggie rice pairs wonderfully with dishes like grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted vegetables, but it also makes for a satisfying vegetarian meal on its own.

Smoky spiced veggie rice is the perfect way to elevate a simple side dish into something truly special. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and can be adapted to fit any meal. Whether served at a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.

Smoky Spiced Veggie Rice
Smoky Spiced Veggie Rice
3.69 from 112 votes
Smoky Spiced Veggie Rice is a delicious and wholesome dish combining the earthy flavors of smoked paprika and mixed vegetables with fluffy rice. It’s a satisfying, vegan-friendly meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rice uncooked
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion large, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper mixed colors, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced bell pepper, frozen peas, and carrots. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
  • Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and ground coriander, ensuring the spices evenly coat the rice and vegetables.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 200kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: rice dish, smoked paprika, vegan
Cooking Method: Baked
Diet: Vegan
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar fidel.smitham26 says:

    5 stars
    This dish was a delight! The spices made it really flavorful. Will definitely make it again!

    1. User avatar edmond.crona95 says:

      3 stars
      This sounds good, but I’m not sure about using frozen peas in a recipe. They might taste weird compared to fresh ones. Just sayin’.

    2. 5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! The spices really do bring the dish to life! What other veggies do you plan to add next time?

  2. 5 stars
    Delish!!! 😍

    1. 3 stars
      Looks good, but how does it taste without the paprika? My kid hates spices.

    2. 5 stars
      I made this last night and it was amazing! 😋 So easy and full of flavor!

  3. 4 stars
    Yum! The veggies really make it pop! 🍽️

  4. User avatar willie.rowe30 says:

    5 stars
    Tried this tonight and it was super flavorful—smoky paprika really stands out. I used regular paprika once and it just didn’t hit the same.

    1. User avatar dania.hirthe30 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! Smoked paprika makes a huge difference. I always keep it for stuff like this—adds that cozy, grill-y flavor even when there’s no grill.

    2. User avatar kellie.zboncak says:

      4 stars
      Good to know about regular paprika not working the same. I’ve been tempted to swap, but maybe I’ll just buy smoked paprika.

  5. User avatar hassie.ondricka16 says:

    3 stars
    Mine turned out a bit mushy even though I followed the timing. I think my rice might’ve been too old or I let it simmer longer. Flavor was still decent, though.

  6. User avatar Dan Streetmentioner says:

    2 stars
    Tried this and it was kinda bland. Needs more spices, I think.

  7. 5 stars
    My kids loved it! This will definitely be on our dinner rotation.

  8. 4 stars
    I can’t believe this is all veggie! I added some chicken for protein and it was still great. Good recipe! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    1. User avatar grasshopper says:

      2 stars
      Why would you mess up a veggie dish with chicken? 🤔 The original recipe sounds perfect as is!

    2. 4 stars
      I’m not a veggie lover, but this really surprised me! I might try it without chicken next time, sounds tasty! 🥗

  9. User avatar frederick.flatley1989 says:

    5 stars
    Yum!!😍 I put in some chili flakes for a kick. Super tasty! Family loved it. Will make it again.

  10. User avatar youlanda.cartwright3 says:

    3 stars
    I followed it but my rice came out kinda sticky—maybe I didn’t rinse enough? Still tasty though. Olive oil amount felt right.

    1. User avatar Yooden Vranx says:

      4 stars
      I think you’re right about rinsing—if it was even a little less rinsed, it can turn sticky fast. Next time rinse a bit longer until the water is *really* clear. Glad it still tasted good though!

    2. User avatar Frostbite Spider says:

      4 stars
      Sticky rice makes me nervous 😅 but if it was still tasty, you’re probably in the “slightly over-starchy” zone. Also, did you keep it on low the whole time under the cover? That part helps.

  11. User avatar bao.ferry28 says:

    3 stars
    Can I use chicken broth instead? I don’t have veggie broth. Will it work?

    1. User avatar tommie.ryan59 says:

      5 stars
      Yes, chicken broth will work fine! It will change the flavor a bit but should still taste good!

  12. 4 stars
    Easy and quick! I used brown rice instead of white and it took longer to cook but still yummy. Def will make again!

  13. User avatar ALTplusF4 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was so good! The spices gave it an amazing flavor. I added more garlic because I love it, and it turned out perfect!

  14. User avatar ernie.kreiger76 says:

    3 stars
    I would add more salt, it seemed bland at first. But overall good recipe.

  15. 4 stars
    Soooo easy to make, and I had all the stuff at home! #winning

  16. User avatar harry.gaylord88 says:

    2 stars
    I didn’t have smoked paprika, so I used regular paprika. Big mistake! 😩

  17. User avatar antonietta.armstrong says:

    5 stars
    Just made this and I used quinoa instead of rice! It’s like an explosion of flavors! 🌈✨ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  18. User avatar sherrie.ratke says:

    4 stars
    This was super easy to make. I never cooked rice before and it turned out amazing! Thanks!

  19. User avatar art.lindgren99 says:

    4 stars
    I’m skeptical about rinsing rice “until clear” like that changes anything, but I did it anyway. Result was still great, so I guess it works.

  20. User avatar wilfredo.larkin55 says:

    2 stars
    Not for me. Too many veggies and spice for my taste. I ended up adding a lot of cheese, lol.

3.69 from 112 votes
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