• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Parenting
  • Natural Living
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Book
    • Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for Health
    • I Love My Instant Pot Anti-Inflammatory Recipes
  • Resource Library
    • Get a Password

Happy Healthy Mama

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Home » Recipes » Perfect Rice Pilaf with Vegetables

Last updated on July 8, 2022. Originally posted on July 8, 2022 By Maryea / 3 Comments

Perfect Rice Pilaf with Vegetables

3400 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Rice Pilaf is an easy side dish that goes with just about anything you’re having for dinner!
Perfect Rice Pilaf with Vegetables Recipe

Anytime I have an opportunity to add extra vegetables into a dish, I do it. It’s not easy to get all of those vegetable servings in, especially for the kids. That’s why I’ve always added extra veggies into my rice pilaf. Most of the time rice pilaf is made with diced onion, but I like to bring some red bell peppers, carrots and zucchini to the game.

Add an extra serving of vegetables to my day without even noticing? Why not?! Check out How Much in a Serving of Vegetables? if you’re curious if you’re eating the recommended amount each day.

This Rice Pilaf with Vegetables makes a perfect side dish that the whole family loves. That’s winning!

What is rice pilaf? 

Are you familiar with rice pilaf? It’s probably my favorite way to prepare rice, or maybe it’s tied with risotto. Who doesn’t love risotto? Try my Brown Rice Risotto for a healthier version!

Back to rice pilaf. Let me fill you in if you don’t know exactly what it is.

Rice is considered rice pilaf when it’s been toasted and cooked in aromatics (like the onion and carrot) and then cooked in a seasoned broth.

Toasting the rice gives the finished dish a more complex flavor and cooking the rice in a little bit less liquid gives it a fluffier texture. We also let it rest after cooking which gives it an even fluffier texture.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Rice Pilaf

It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks. While on our recent vacation, in addition to a few books I also read a number of magazines. One of them was an issue of Fine Cooking, which had an article on cooking perfect rice pilaf. I took some of their advice and tried the tips as soon as we got home and they brought my normal rice pilaf to an even better level.

  • Use long grain rice. I prefer brown rice, but a long-grain white rice like jasmine rice or basmati are great also.
  • Rinse your rice in cold water first. Rinsing removes starch and helps create separate, not sticky, rice grains.
  • Toast your rice grains first. Toasting them adds texture as well as extra flavor. The longer you let them cook, the more complex and nutty the flavor will be.
  • Don’t stir the rice pilaf after it boils as this can make the rice sticky.
  • Allow the rice to rest for a couple of minutes before scooping to serve. Again, this prevents it from getting sticky.

Recipe Ingredients–What You Need

  • long grain rice (I prefer brown basmati rice)
  • oil or butter
  • onion
  • carrots
  • red bell pepper
  • zucchini
  • chicken broth or vegetable broth (for a vegetarian rice pilaf, just use vegetable broth)
  • salt and pepper

Substitution and Addition Ideas

  • Use your favorite vegetables: cauliflower, broccoli, eggplant, or others could be used
  • Frozen vegetables will work when fresh vegetables aren’t available.
  • Use homemade chicken stock for extra nutrition. Try my Slow Cooker Bone Broth or Instant Pot Bone Broth.
  • Add some garlic powder and Italian seasonings for extra flavor or try fresh herbs.

    How to Make Rice Pilaf with Vegetables

    Making homemade rice pilaf with vegetables is easier than you think! It just takes a few simple steps and it’s so much tastier than regular rice.

      Perfect Rice Pilaf with Vegetables Recipe easy and delicious

      1. In a large bowl, rinse rice with cold water. Stir with your hands to remove surface starch. Drain through a fine-mesh strainer and rinse again.
      2. Heat the butter or oil in a large, heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, red pepper, zucchini, and carrot and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
      3. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until it is lightly browned and smells nutty, about 5 minutes.
      4. Stir in the broth, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat until all of the liquid is absorbed, about 40-45 minutes.
      5. Remove the pan from the heat, uncover, and lay a folded kitchen towel over the pan, and cover again to hold the towel in place. Let the rice rest for about 5 minutes.
      6. Remove the lid and towel, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
      7. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days

      Are you ready to give rice pilaf a try? I think you’re going to love this easy and healthy side dish! It’s great as a simple side dish, but it can become a main course by adding a protein and turning it into rice bowls. A complete meal that’s so easy and so good. This easy recipe will become a dinner time favorite!

      If you try this recipe or any of my other healthy recipes, would you mind rating the recipe with stars when you leave a comment? It’s VERY helpful for me and other readers if the recipes have ratings and reviews. I appreciate you!

      If you share on Instagram and tag me, I’ll feature you! I can’t wait to see what you’re cooking.

      Print
      clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
      Perfect Rice Pilaf with Vegetables Recipe easy and delicious

      Perfect Rice Pilaf with Vegetables


      ★★★★★

      5 from 1 reviews

      • Author: Maryea Flaherty | Happy Healthy Mama
      • Total Time: 1 hour
      • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
      Print Recipe
      Print Recipe

      Description

      Rice Pilaf is an easy side dish that goes with any meal and adding vegetables is an great way to get your family eating more vegetables!


      Ingredients

      Units Scale
      • 1 1/2 cups brown basmati rice
      • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or avocado oil*
      • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
      • 1/2 medium red bell pepper, diced
      • 1 small zucchini, diced
      • 1 small carrot, diced
      • 2 3/4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
      • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
      • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

      Instructions

      1. In a large bowl, rinse rice with cold water. Stir with your hands to remove surface starch. Drain through a fine-mesh strainer and rinse again.
      2. Heat the butter or oil in a large, heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, red pepper, zucchini, and carrot and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
      3. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until it is lightly browned and smells nutty, about 5 minutes.
      4. Stir in the broth, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until all of the liquid is absorbed, about 40-45 minutes.
      5. Remove the pan from the heat, uncover, and lay a folded kitchen towl over the pan, and cover again to hold the towel in place. Let the rice rest for about 5 minutes.
      6. Remove the lid and towel, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

      Notes

      *I prefer the flavor of butter, but if you need to keep this vegan or dairy-free, avocado oil is a good substitution.

      • Prep Time: 20 minutes
      • Cook Time: 40 minutes
      • Category: recipes
      • Method: stovetop
      • Cuisine: American

      Nutrition

      • Calories: 188
      • Sugar: 2.2 grams
      • Sodium: 376 mg
      • Fat: 5.6 grams
      • Saturated Fat: 3 grams
      • Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 grams
      • Trans Fat: 0 grams
      • Carbohydrates: 31.2 grams
      • Fiber: 2.3 grams
      • Protein: 3.5 grams

      Keywords: rice pilaf

      Did you make this recipe?

      Tag @happyhealthymama on Instagram and hashtag it #happyhealthymama

       

      Here are some more rice recipes I think you’ll love!

      Coconut Rice

      a white bowl of coconut rice recipe with cilantro and lime

      Roasted Vegetable Brown Rice Risotto

      Roasted Vegetable Brown Rice Risotto with Bacon and Kale. This is HEALTHY comfort food at its finest!Leftover Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

      Turkey and Wild Rice Soup recipe

      Rainbow Rice and Bean Salad

      Rainbow Rice and Beans---This healthy lunch is made quickly with Minute Ready to Serve Whole Grain Medley Rice Blend. The portion controlled, portable precooked grains make this the perfect lunch to pack for school or work!

      Butternut Squash Rice Bowl

       

      3400 shares
      • Facebook
      • Twitter

      Filed Under: Anti-inflammatory Diet

      Previous Post: « Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
      Next Post: Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins »

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. seekyum says

        September 3, 2022 at 7:30 am

        Put some meat in the rice, I think it will be more flavored

        ★★★★★

        Reply
      2. wheredle says

        August 9, 2022 at 11:31 pm

        wow! yummy! yummy!!

        Reply
      3. Gail says

        February 25, 2020 at 5:21 pm

        I am not a good cook (normally). But I just tried this recipe, and even my 93-year-old mother couldn’t get enough of it. Such a fabulous recipe. I thank you fervently for sharing it with the rest of us.

        Reply

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      Primary Sidebar

      What are you looking for?

      Welcome! I'm Maryea, author of Happy Healthy Mama. I am on a mission to create the healthiest life possible for my family and inspire you to do the same! Read More…

      By Category

      Easy + Healthy Dinners

      shaking a jar with healthy stir fry sauce

      Healthy Stir Fry Sauce

      Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

      Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

      Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

      Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

      up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

      Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

      a big white bowl of pasta

      Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

      close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

      Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

      close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

      Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

      Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

      Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

      Archives

      Gluten-Free

      Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

      Instant Pot Green Beans

      Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

      Instant Pot Lentils

      close up shot of air fryer carrots

      Air Fryer Carrots

      Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

      Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

      Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

      Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

      Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

      Carrot and Lentil Soup

      Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

      a white sauce dripping from a spoon

      Garlic Tahini Sauce

      More Posts from this Category

      Dairy-Free

      Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

      Instant Pot Green Beans

      Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

      Instant Pot Lentils

      close up shot of air fryer carrots

      Air Fryer Carrots

      Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

      Carrot and Lentil Soup

      a white sauce dripping from a spoon

      Garlic Tahini Sauce

      A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

      Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

      overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

      Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

      Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

      Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

      More Posts from this Category

      Vegetarian

      Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

      Instant Pot Green Beans

      Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

      Instant Pot Lentils

      Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

      Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

      Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

      a white sauce dripping from a spoon

      Garlic Tahini Sauce

      overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

      Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

      an overhead shot of a bowl of overnight oats topped with blueberries

      High Protein Overnight Oats

      green smoothie in a glass

      Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

      See More →

      Vegan

      Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

      Instant Pot Green Beans

      Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

      Instant Pot Lentils

      Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

      Carrot and Lentil Soup

      Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

      a white sauce dripping from a spoon

      Garlic Tahini Sauce

      A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

      Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

      Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

      Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

      green smoothie in a glass

      Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

      See More →

      Anti-Inflammatory

      Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

      Instant Pot Green Beans

      Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

      Instant Pot Lentils

      close up shot of air fryer carrots

      Air Fryer Carrots

      Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

      Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

      Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

      Carrot and Lentil Soup

      Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

      a white sauce dripping from a spoon

      Garlic Tahini Sauce

      A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

      Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

      More Posts from this Category

      Kid-Friendly

      Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

      Instant Pot Green Beans

      close up shot of air fryer carrots

      Air Fryer Carrots

      Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

      Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

      Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

      Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

      A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

      Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

      overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

      Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

      up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

      Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

      a big white bowl of pasta

      Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

      More Posts from this Category

      Smoothies

      green smoothie in a glass
      Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger
      Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass
      A hand grabbing a green straw that is in a tall glass with a chocolate colored smoothie
      Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with a red and and white striped straw and a strawberry garnish
      Cranberry Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with two straws and fresh cranberries on the table and a blue and white napkin
      2 mango smoothies with turquoise paper straws
      blueberry chocolate smoothie in a tall glass with chocolate and blueberries on top

      More Posts from this Category

      Breakfast

      overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

      Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

      an overhead shot of a bowl of overnight oats topped with blueberries

      High Protein Overnight Oats

      green smoothie in a glass

      Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

      close up view of buckwheat pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and syrup dripping down the stack

      Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

      a bowl of oatmeal with a cup of coffee and a bowl of fresh apples in the background

      Best Ever Apple Pie Overnight Oats

      an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

      75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

      baked oatmeal in a dish with a spoon scooping out a serving

      Peach Baked Oatmeal (Easy + Healthy!)

      vegan zucchini muffins on a board

      Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

      See More →

      Lunch

      Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

      Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

      Edamame Salad in a white bowl

      Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

      Cold Busting Soup Recipe

      Cold Busting Soup

      overhead shot of Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe

      Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

      apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

      Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

      Spicy Turkey Meal Prep Bowls

      Salmon Salad in a bowl with a fork

      Salmon Salad Recipe

      a spoonful of Greek Lemon Chicken soup coming out of bowl

      Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

      See More →

      Dinner

      shaking a jar with healthy stir fry sauce

      Healthy Stir Fry Sauce

      Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

      Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

      Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

      Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

      up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

      Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

      a big white bowl of pasta

      Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

      close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

      Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

      close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

      Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

      Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

      Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

      See More →

      Desserts

      A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

      Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

      a stack of gluten free peanut butter blossoms

      Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

      close up photo of a stack of cookies on a green plate

      Brown Butter Snickerdoodles (Must try!)

      Healthy Peanut Butter Cups (4 ingredients)

      close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

      Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

      serving up Simple Baked Apples Recipe whole apples and baked dish

      Simple Baked Apples Recipe

      Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

      Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

      how to make Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe in a red bowl

      How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache

      See More →

      Snacks

      close up shot of air fryer carrots

      Air Fryer Carrots

      green smoothie in a glass

      Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

      close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

      Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

      apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

      Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

      an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

      75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

      vegan zucchini muffins on a board

      Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

      Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

      Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

      Perfect Guacamole for football game entertaining

      The Best Guacamole Recipe-Ever!

      See More →

      Salads

      Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

      apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

      Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

      an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

      75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

      Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

      Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

      Edamame Salad in a white bowl

      Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

      overhead shot of Thai Salad in a white bowl with a serving spoon and a green and white napkin

      Vibrant Thai Salad

      Beet Salad with goat cheese recipe on a fork

      Delicious Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

      apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

      Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

      See More →

      Soups

      Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

      Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

      Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

      Carrot and Lentil Soup

      Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

      Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

      close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

      Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

      Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

      Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

      close up photo of Chickpea Soup recipe

      Chickpea Soup (Easy and healthy!)

      overhead shot of Red Cabbage Soup recipe in a white bowl with a navy napkin and spoon in the background

      Red Cabbage Soup (Incredible!)

      an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

      75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

      See More →

      Side Dishes

      Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

      Instant Pot Green Beans

      Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

      Instant Pot Lentils

      close up shot of air fryer carrots

      Air Fryer Carrots

      a big white bowl of pasta

      Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

      stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

      Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

      close up photo of honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe

      Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips (Easiest ever!)

      overhead shot of pear compote in a jar

      Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe

      overhead shot of Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

      Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Quick & Easy!)

      See More →

      Appetizers

      Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers healthy football food

      Healthy Super Bowl Recipes

      stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

      Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

      Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

      Beetroot Hummus Recipe

      Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

      Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

      Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

      Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

      buffalo chicken dip on a celery stick

      Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip (4 ingredients!)

      This Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer for your Super Bowl Party recipe line-up! No one will notice the missing calories or fat.

      Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

      Lighten up your game day and party appetizers with this SKINNY Spinach Artichoke Dip. Tastes AMAZING but with less calorie! #recipe #partyfood

      Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip

      More Posts from this Category

      Beverages

      Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea in a clear mug with a lemon wheel on the rim

      Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

      Crock Pot Hot chocolate with marshmallows

      Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

      cranberry margarita with a sugar rim, lime wheel, and fresh cranberries

      Cranberry Margarita – The Perfect Holiday Cocktail Recipe

      Patritotic Sangria recipe close up in a glass with fruit

      Patriotic Sangria Recipe

      Simply the best margarita in the world

      Simply the Best Margarita Recipe

      Anti-inflammatory turmeric smoothie recipe

      Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie

      healthy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe in a mug

      Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (Dairy Free and Sugar Free!)

      Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe close up of glass with lemon garnish

      Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

      See More →

      Footer

      Privacy

      Copyright © 2023 · Cookd Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in