Baked Spicy Rice

Transform your mealtime routine with this vibrant and flavor-packed Baked Spicy Rice! This one-pot wonder features fragrant basmati rice baked to perfection with a bold medley of aromatic spices like curry powder, cumin, and paprika, along with a kick of red chili flakes for subtle heat. Enhanced with tender vegetables like red bell pepper, sweet peas, and juicy diced tomatoes, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and wholesome. The oven-baking technique locks in the zesty spices, creating a deeply infused, satisfying dish. Perfect as a main course or a standout side, this easy-to-make recipe is ready in under an hour and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness, and serve up a dish that will delight your taste buds!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3.5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the diced red bell pepper and continue sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.

Step 7

Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, paprika, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 8

Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains in the spice mixture.

Step 9

Pour in the water, diced tomatoes, and peas, stirring to combine everything evenly.

Step 10

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.

Step 11

Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.

Step 12

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 13

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to fully absorb the flavors.

Step 14

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 15

Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or a hearty main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1896.8 grams (1896.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	830

Total Fat 10.90g	14%
Saturated Fat 2.40g	12%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 5mg	2%
Sodium 4086mg	178%
Total Carbohydrate 155.50g	57%
Dietary Fiber 20.10g	72%
Total Sugars 26.10g
Protein 28.70g	57%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 286mg	22%
Iron 16mg	88%
Potassium 1557mg	33%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 11.7%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 74.5%