Inspired Rice

Elevate your mealtime with "Inspired Rice," a vibrant and aromatic one-pan dish that brings bold flavors and wholesome ingredients to your table. This easy-to-make recipe features fluffy basmati rice infused with the earthy warmth of cumin, turmeric, and coriander, perfectly complemented by sautéed onions, garlic, and colorful vegetables like carrots, red bell peppers, and peas. A touch of lemon zest and fresh cilantro adds a bright, zesty finish that ties it all together. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor, "Inspired Rice" will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3.5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 cups frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 0.25 cups fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 3.5 cups of water to a boil.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the diced carrot and red bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 more minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 7

Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 8

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with the aromatic spice mixture.

Step 9

Pour the boiling water into the skillet with the rice and vegetables. Stir well.

Step 10

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 11

Simmer the rice for 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 12

Remove the skillet from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 13

Fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in the frozen peas (they will thaw from the residual heat), lemon zest, and fresh chopped cilantro.

Step 14

Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve warm as a side dish or a main course!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1785.8 grams (1785.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	976

Total Fat 32.20g	41%
Saturated Fat 5.10g	26%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3672mg	160%
Total Carbohydrate 150.10g	55%
Dietary Fiber 17.40g	62%
Total Sugars 20.50g
Protein 24.70g	49%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 267mg	21%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 1386mg	29%

*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: 29.3%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 60.7%