Rice Pilaf Peppers Onions (Print Version)

A colorful rice dish with sautéed peppers and onions, ideal for a vibrant side or light meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 (such as 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 (optional)

12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
13 - Lemon wedges

# How to Make It:

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 vegetables become sweet and tender while the rice cooks alongside them
  • It comes together in one pan and looks beautiful on the table
  • Leftovers reheat perfectly for lunch the next day
02 -
  • Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear prevents it from becoming gummy
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers
  • Letting the rice rest off heat is what makes each grain separate
03 -
  • Toasting the rice in the oil before adding liquid adds a subtle nutty flavor
  • A pinch of saffron or turmeric turns this into a golden pilaf
  • Using homemade broth makes a noticeable difference in the final dish

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