Rice Pilaf with Peppers (Print Version)
Colorful rice pilaf with sautéed peppers and onions, ideal for a flavorful side or light main dish.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rice
05 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine), rinsed
→ Broth & Seasonings
06 - 2 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
11 - 1 bay leaf
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
13 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
02 - Add the onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in the diced peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes until tender.
04 - Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it well with the oil and vegetables.
06 - Pour in the vegetable broth, add salt, pepper, thyme (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
07 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.
09 - Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of sweet peppers and savory onions creates layers of flavor that make plain rice feel elevated
- It comes together in about 35 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers, since escaping steam will throw off the liquid ratio and lead to undercooked grains
- Letting the pilaf rest off the heat is essential for the rice to firm up slightly and become fluffier when you fork it
03 -
- Rinse your rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch that can make the final dish gummy
- Use a pot with a tight fitting lid since steam retention is crucial for properly cooked rice