Creole Rice Pilaf Peppers (Printable)
Colorful Creole-style rice with bell peppers and fragrant spices for a vibrant side or light main.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rice and Liquids
06 - 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
07 - 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Garnish
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
# How-To Steps:
01 - Warm olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add chopped onion, diced red and green bell peppers, and celery to the pan. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
04 - Add rinsed rice to the pan, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until grains are well coated with oil and lightly toasted.
05 - Sprinkle smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt over the rice. Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
06 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring mixture to a rolling boil, stirring once to combine.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and all liquid has been absorbed.
08 - Remove pan from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow moisture to redistribute evenly.
09 - Fluff rice gently with a fork, fold in chopped parsley, and scatter sliced scallions over the top. Serve immediately while warm.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The holy trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully as the rice simmers
- Its one of those rare dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
- Resist the urge to peek while the rice simmers, every time you lift the lid you release steam that's essential for proper cooking
- The resting period is just as important as the cooking time, it lets the moisture redistribute evenly throughout the rice
03 -
- Dice all your vegetables to roughly the same size so they cook evenly and create a uniform texture throughout
- If the rice is still crunchy after the liquid is absorbed, add just 2 tablespoons more broth and continue cooking covered