One-Pot Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds
A fragrant and colorful vegetable rice pilaf cooked in one pot with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. This mediterranean-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs long-grain white rice, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced into 1/4-inch cubes carrot
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 1 medium diced carrot, sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrot slightly soft.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup long-grain white rice to the pot and stir continuously for 2 minutes until the rice is coated with oil and slightly toasted.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: After 15 minutes, stir in 1/2 cup frozen peas, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds?
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 white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds?
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 One-Pot Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds 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.
Is One-Pot Vegetable Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
