Spiced Flavor Vegetarian Dish (Printable)
A colorful mix of vegetables simmered with aromatic spices and hearty grains for a nourishing meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 cups cauliflower florets
02 - 1 cup diced carrots
03 - 1 cup chopped bell pepper
04 - 1 medium onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Spices & Aromatics
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
11 - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
13 - Salt, to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Grains & Legumes
15 - 1 cup cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed if canned)
16 - 1 cup cooked basmati rice or quinoa
→ Liquids
17 - 1 cup vegetable broth
18 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
→ Garnish
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
20 - Lemon wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add cauliflower florets, diced carrots, and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to evenly coat.
05 - Add cooked chickpeas and pour in vegetable broth. Cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until vegetables are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Stir in cooked basmati rice or quinoa and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a secret with a friend when the spices perfectly balance warmth and brightness.
- This became a favorite because it is so versatile, working as both a cozy main or a colorful side that everyone asks for again.
02 -
- Don't skip the step of sautéing garlic just right—it unlocks powerful aromas that make the dish sing.
- Using fresh spices instead of pre-ground can change this from good to unforgettable.
03 -
- Toast your spices lightly before cooking to awaken their oils and deepen flavor.
- Adding lemon juice at the end really brightens the dish and ties all the flavors together.