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This simple but hearty vegetable rice pilaf makes a savory, satisfying side or meal. It is full of flavorful and immunity-boosting alliums (red onion, garlic, and chives) and nourishing vegetables. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead vegan rice dish for meal prep!
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Why You’ll Love this Easy Vegan Rice Pilaf Recipe!
This delicious Vegetable Rice Pilaf is a bit like a vegetable paella, loaded with amazing flavors. It is a one-pan wonder that delivers healthy veggies and whole grains, to satisfy the whole family. The rice is heavenly with its rich flavor that’s been poached to perfection. The combination of garlic, onion, and bell pepper delivers an amazing aroma (as well as promising health benefits!). Then, loaded with hearty black beans, mushroom, and greens, this drool-worthy dish is a meal in itself!
Even better, you can use whatever veggies you have on hand for this vegan rice pilaf. It’s a fantastic, budget-friendly, clean-out-the-fridge meal that’s a game changer when you need to throw together something last minute!
What is Vegetable Rice Pilaf?
Originating in Persia, rice pilaf has spread all over the world over time. It has become a common meal in places like the Middle East, Latin America, Indonesia, and Spain. Pilaf refers to a preparation of rice (or other wheat-based grain) cooked in broth with vegetables and other ingredients typical to the place where it’s being prepared.
Can I Buy Plant-Based Broth?
Absolutely! There are many brands that sell fully plant-based broths. Check out Better Than Bouillon, Edward and Sons, Knorr, and more. If you can’t find them easily or you simply want to use your leftover veggie scraps, you can make your own! You can even flavor it however you like.
More Delicious Vegan Rice Recipes
Vegan Dinners
Creamy Brown Rice Risotto
![completed Garlic Rice [Spanish Yellow Rice] in a white bowl against a white background](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/15-Golden-Garlic-Rice-Plant-Based-on-a-Budget-1-2-378x378.jpg)
Vegan Dinners
Garlic Rice
Vegan Desserts
Thai Mango Sticky Rice
Vegan Dinners
Easy Vegan Mexican Rice
If you tried this hearty vegetable rice pilaf recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
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Hearty Vegetable Rice Pilaf
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of oil of choice
- 1 medium red onion chopped (reserve 2 tbsp, finely chopped, for topping)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4-5 crimini (or button) mushrooms sliced
- ¼ cup of bell pepper chopped (optional)
- 1 carrot thinly sliced
- 1 cup of brown rice jasmine, long grain, short grain, basmati – all ok
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- ½ cup of green onions or chives chopped
- 1 cup of greens, chopped swiss chard, kale, collard greens, or spinach
- 1 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of chili powder
- ¼ cup of nutritional yeast optional, but tasty
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a deep skillet, add the oil and saute the onion, garlic, mushrooms, pepper, and carrot for 2-3 minutes. Add rice and stir 30 seconds until glossy. Add vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked.
- Add the chives and greens to the pan, along with black beans, salt, chili powder, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Stir well and cover for 2-3 minutes to let beans and greens heat through. Plate and top with finely chopped red onion.
love this recipe and all he ingredients in it, thanks for your recipes tasty and easy.
So glad you enjoyed it! It’s so delicious and hearty in every bite!
Healthy and delicious! Thank you for this recipe!
Enjoy! I’ve been loving black beans and this recipe really hits the spot!
I’ve been looking for more exciting ways to use rice, and this is it!
It’s a great one! So full of flavor and so delicious!