Vibrant Vegetable Rice – A Quick, Healthy Weeknight Favourite

If you’re a busy professional or parent trying to get a wholesome, colourful meal on the table after a long day, this Vibrant Vegetable Rice recipe is for you. It’s a quick, one-pot dish packed with fresh vegetables and rich flavour — perfect for sneaking in extra goodness for the whole family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love It

I made this dish while on holiday without my regular kitchen equipment such as a blender. I hand chopped vegetables, which added a vibrant, inviting colour to this dish. You may wish to blend the vegetables but you may have the added benefits of fibre from the chopped, rather than blended, veggies. This recipe is a lifesaver on those hectic evenings when you want something homemade, filling, and nutritious. It brings together the sweetness of peppers, the crunch of green beans, and the aroma of thyme and parsley — all in one pot of golden, flavourful rice.

Ingredients

You’ll need:

• Rice (pre-washed)
• Green beans, chopped
• Red peppers, diced
• Chopped green or red chilli peppers
• Fresh tomatoes, blended or chopped
• Onions, finely chopped
• Tomato purée
• Carrots, chopped
• Parsley, chopped (for freshness)
• Sunflower or vegetable oil
• Thyme, seasoning cube, and salt (to taste)
• Chicken stock (or water)
• Optional: roast chicken legs for serving

Quick Cooking Steps

1. Sauté the base: In a pot, heat a little oil and cook your chopped onions until fragrant. Add thyme, seasoning, and a touch of salt.

2. Build the flavour: Stir in your blended tomatoes, red peppers, and tomato purée. Let the mixture cook down until it thickens and smells amazing.

3. Add the rice: Pour in the pre-washed rice and chicken stock (or water). Stir well to combine and let it cook on medium heat.

4. Add the veggies: When the rice is nearly done, toss in the carrots and green beans. This keeps them crisp, colourful, and full of nutrients.

5. Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm- either on its own or with a piece of roast chicken like I did here. You might want to replace chicken with fish or prawns but this rice dish is complete on its own too!

A Family Favourite

This dish has become a staple in our home — bright, nourishing, and satisfying for everyone from toddlers to grown-ups. It’s the kind of recipe that looks beautiful on the table and makes you feel good after eating it.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your photos or your own twists in the comments — let’s inspire each other to eat well.