Rice Veggie Pilaf
One of the easiest hacks ever! Here’s a way to take any type of rice and instantly double the portion and nutrition with relatively no effort. By combining equal parts rice and frozen vegetables, you’re not only doubling your portion but also adding a boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
For best results, use a frozen veggie medley with smaller pieces like corn, peas, carrots, green beans, and lima beans—these blends mix seamlessly into your grains. Plus, frozen veggies are affordable, accessible, and a convenient way to incorporate more produce into your meals, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
What I love about this recipe is how flexible it is—you can use any grain you like! From classic white or brown rice to nutrient-packed quinoa, farro, or even couscous, every option works beautifully. It’s also a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers, giving yesterday’s quinoa or rice a fresh, colorful twist with vibrant gems of green, yellow, and orange from the veggies.
To prepare, simply microwave your veggies to your desired tenderness, then stir them directly into your grain of choice for an instant upgrade. You can even prep a big batch of grains in advance and keep them in the fridge, ready to mix with frozen vegetables whenever you need a quick, wholesome meal. A simple stir transforms plain grains into a bright, satisfying dish packed with texture, flavor, and nutrition. Enjoy this easy trick to make your meals more satisfying and nutrient-dense in seconds!
Try my Cauliflower Fried Rice!
Rice Veggie Pilaf
Ingredients
- ½ cup cooked brown rice, or other preferred rice
- ½ cup frozen vegetable medley*, microwaved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fluff rice with a fork then gently combine with cooked vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Serve as a side to chicken, fish or lean beef.
