Carnival Spiced Rice
A colorful, flavorful rice dish with a hint of cinnamon and saffron, celebrating the vibrant cultures of the U.S. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs long grain rice, vegetable broth, cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 10 threads saffron threads
- 1 small red onion
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced red onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1.5 cups long grain rice and stir to coat.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth and 10 saffron threads. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup frozen green peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Carnival Spiced Rice take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Carnival Spiced Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Carnival Spiced Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Carnival Spiced Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Carnival Spiced Rice?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
