Zanzibar-Style Spiced Vegetable Pilau Rice

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-04 · Updated 2026-07-04

Fragrant pilau rice cooked with a blend of warm spices and mixed vegetables, inspired by the aromatic rice dishes of Tanzania’s Zanzibar archipelago. This African-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs basmati rice, carrot, green beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 1/2 cups basmati rice
• 1 medium, diced carrot
• 1 cup, chopped green beans
• 1 medium, thinly sliced onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp pilau spice mix (cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak in water for 20 minutes and drain.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp pilau spice mix (blend of cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves). Stir for 1 minute until spices release aroma.
4. Step 4: Add 1 diced medium carrot and 1 cup chopped green beans. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Step 5: Add the drained rice and stir gently for 2 minutes, coating the rice with the spiced oil and vegetables.
6. Step 6: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth, add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let rice rest covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.