Smoked Vegetarian Spanish Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that combines vibrant flavors with the deep, smoky essence of coal, this Smoked Vegetarian Spanish Rice recipe is the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Featuring the simple yet rich flavors of cumin, tomatoes, and a variety of fresh vegetables, this dish takes your typical Spanish rice to a whole new level. The coal-smoking method imparts a delicious, smoky aroma that elevates every bite. With a satisfying mix of fresh ingredients such as basmati rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, and green peas, this vegetarian main course will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.
Cuisine: European
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice (or any long-grained rice) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), finely chopped | 1 |
| Tomatoes, finely chopped | 3 |
| Celery, finely chopped | 2 stalks |
| Sweet corn (steamed) | 1/4 cup |
| Green peas (Matar, steamed) | 1/4 cup |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1/4 cup |
| Coal, for smoking | 1 piece |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onions, garlic, green chillies, bell pepper, tomatoes, and celery. Steam the sweet corn and green peas until tender. Set everything aside and get ready for the cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, garlic, green chillies, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté the vegetables gently, stirring frequently, until they become soft and tender. Be sure to cook on a lower heat to allow the onions and bell peppers to soften without burning.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Once the vegetables are tender, add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and red chilli powder to the pan. Continue sautéing until the tomatoes break down and become soft and mushy, creating a flavorful base for the rice.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Add the basmati rice to the pan, along with the steamed corn, peas, and a pinch of salt. Pour in 2 cups of water and increase the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the rice to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water has been completely absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 5: Rest the Rice
Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and gives the rice time to firm up slightly.
Step 6: Prepare the Coal for Smoking
While the rice is resting, heat a piece of coal on a gas flame until it turns red-hot. Once the coal is glowing, place it in a steel or glass cup.
Step 7: Smoke the Rice
Place the cup of hot coal in the center of the rice. Press the coal gently into the rice and pour a teaspoon of ghee or oil over it. The coal will begin to smoke, infusing the rice with a deep, smoky flavor. Cover the pan immediately to trap the smoke inside, and let the rice rest for a couple of minutes while it absorbs the smoky aroma. Once the smoke has died down, carefully remove the coal cup from the pan.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serving
Stir the rice gently to ensure that all the flavors are well distributed. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the rice, allowing it to melt and add a creamy texture.
Serve your Smoked Vegetarian Spanish Rice hot, alongside a refreshing side like Pineapple and Cheese Skewers, Paprika Chicken Skewers, or a dessert like No-Bake White Chocolate Cheesecake for a well-rounded meal.
Notes:
- You can easily customize this dish by adding other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini, depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- The smoking process adds an authentic depth to the rice, but if you don’t have access to coal, you can also use a smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
- For a more indulgent version, consider adding some sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil when serving.
This Smoked Vegetarian Spanish Rice recipe will not only fill your kitchen with incredible aromas but also delight your taste buds with every bite. Enjoy the smoky richness paired with the sweetness of the vegetables and the warmth of the spices in this delicious dish.
