Rice Pilaf Peppers Onions (Print Version)
Fragrant rice with sautéed onions and colorful bell peppers, ideal for a flavorful side or light main dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Rice and Grains
01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids and Fats
06 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Seasonings
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 bay leaf
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; drain well to remove excess starch.
02 - In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
03 - Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent.
04 - Stir in the bell peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until just tender.
05 - Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
06 - Stir in the rinsed and drained rice, coating the grains thoroughly with oil and vegetables.
07 - Pour in the vegetable broth, then add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all ingredients.
08 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
09 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf before serving.
10 - Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of sweet bell peppers and savory onions transforms ordinary rice into a dish that stands on its own
- Its one of those rare recipes that tastes impressive but comes together with minimal hands on time
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers, as escaping steam will disrupt the cooking process
- The resting period is not optional, it allows the moisture to redistribute evenly for perfectly textured rice
03 -
- Use a wide saucepan if possible, as the shallower layer helps rice cook more evenly
- Toast the rice until you smell a nutty fragrance, about 1 to 2 minutes, before adding liquid