This recipe for Easy Vegan Yellow Rice is a staple not only in many restaurants but also world wide in many homes. There are thousands of variations but the end result is renowned for a reason. The dish is known as a side or an entree with sustenance for millions of people on a daily basis. Its so easy that it makes a great way to round out proteins and salads.
How is it good if it is so simple?
It is not so much in the seasoning (something you will seldom hear at The Cooking Love) as much as in the technique and the quality of the rice. There are many restaurants that use lower quality parboiled rice due to its ease of use. It also holds up well for longer periods of time. However these rices usually lack the nutritional value of higher quality brands and types. They also tend to break down and turn into “broken rice”. This may be good for some applications, but for our purpose we are looking for a light and fluffy texture. For this reason we like to use organic rice but that is not a requirement. Also since basmati is less starchy and lends itself to a dryer, more separate product I recommend that here. Simple “white rice” or jasmine rice will suffice. Easy vegan yellow rice can be made with brown rice or other varieties also but will be heavier.
What are some recommended main dishes to accompany this rice?
This is a very versatile easy vegan yellow rice recipe. We call it easy vegan yellow rice simply for the fact that it goes with almost anything. From vegan cold vegetable dishes to hearty grilled meats this makes a great sidekick. I tend to like it with Latin cuisine of course, but it also can accompany kabobs, grilled seafood, and can even help with soups. It goes great with Easy Simple Vegan Black Beans and those two recipes alone can make a meal. If you add protein to the cooking process it can become a one- pot dish also much like a casserole. Whatever the desired outcome just follow the simple steps and you will have a great support for you entree or an easy meal unto itself!
What are some things I can use to spicen it up?
- Chicken stock- provides a richer taste.
- Seafood stock- great way to use up leftover shrimp, crab, or lobster shells- makes a great addition when adding some seafood to the rice while it cooks!
- Chiles- try adding a little dried chipotle powder, or fresh jalapeno.
- Oregano, thyme, savory, marjoram, bay leaf, or other fresh and dried herbs add a subtle background note.
Easy Vegan Yellow Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1.25 cups vegetable broth or water can also use chicken stock or seafood stock
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil can also use vegetable or peanut oil
- 1 ounce carrot, peeled and small dice
- 1 ounce peas fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and dicing the carrots, then portioning the remaining ingredients. The peas can be fresh or frozen but it is highly recommended to use fresh carrots since they will be sauteed.
- Meanwhile measure the vegetable broth in the measuring cup, and whish in the salt and turmeric to dissolve
- In a sauce pan, saute the carrot with olive oil over medium heat for about one minute. Do not color the vegetables, as they will continue to steam with the rice.
- Add all ingredients to the sauce pan. Stir once (do not over stir to break apart rice or starches). Bring to a simmer and then cover. Reduce heat to low. Steam rice for 10-12 minutes, then turn off flame. Allow to rest an additional 5-10 minutes befor fluffing with fork. Serve warm.
