Vegan French Provencal Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic dish that beautifully blends the traditional pilaf cooking method with the vibrant flavors inspired by the French Provencal region. This delightful rice dish is sautéed with onions, garlic, and an array of aromatic herbs before being simmered in vegetable broth, resulting in individual, fluffy grains infused with a rich and savory essence.

Serve it alongside grilled vegetables, plant-based proteins, or as part of a Mediterranean or European spread. It’s a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.

This Vegan French Provencal Rice Pilaf is a wonderful side dish that’s both aromatic and satisfying. It pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Storage Tips

To store Vegan French Provencal Rice Pilaf properly and maintain its flavor and texture, follow these storage tips:

Cool Completely: Allow the rice pilaf to cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the rice soggy.
Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled pilaf to an airtight container. Make sure the container is completely sealed to prevent moisture from entering and affecting the rice’s texture.
Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. Rice pilaf can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Avoid Freezing: While rice can generally be frozen, the texture of rice pilaf may change when frozen and thawed. It’s best to consume it within a few days of preparation for the best quality.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, sprinkle a little water over the rice before reheating to help restore moisture. When using the stovetop, add a small amount of vegetable broth or water and gently reheat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Freshen Up: Before serving leftovers, you can freshen up the flavors by adding a touch of freshly chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Remember to use proper food safety practices when storing and reheating rice pilaf to ensure it remains safe and enjoyable to eat.

More Delicious French-Inspired Dishes

Prep Time:10

Total Time:35

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
½ cup chopped tomatoes
¼ cup pitted black olives, chopped
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers and diced zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Season the rice pilaf with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently fold in the chopped cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives. Allow the pilaf to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are warmed through.
Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish the Vegan French Provencal Rice Pilaf with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.