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You will LOVE this delicious and flavourful Nando’s spicy rice recipe. Packed with vegetables and healthy ingredients, it tastes better than the original version served at Nando’s and is a great accompaniment to any meal. The best part is that this quick and easy homemade recipe requires only one pot!
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Recipe inspiration
I always wanted to create my own version of Nando’s rice which had the same colour, flavour, texture and feel as the original Nandos spicy rice. After multiple trials I finally nailed it. It is surprisingly easy to make, very nutritious and packs a ton of flavour.
What does my Nando’s spicy rice taste like
In this vegetarian Nando’s spicy rice recipe I use a special blend of spices for a unique flavour and a kick of heat. This delicious Portugese style dish is made with a combination of basmati rice, onion, garlic, red bell peppers, carrots, frozen peas, spices and vegetable stock. These ingredients give the rice a delicious flavour that is slightly sweet, spicy and savoury. You can adjust the spice level to suit individual tastes, making it a great meal for everyone to enjoy. This Nando’s style rice is an excellent accompaniment to any main course, as it adds a unique flavour and some heat to the meal. It is insanely delicious and healthy at the same time.
Ingredients to make this recipe
- Long grain basmati rice – Use long-grain basmati rice for a fluffy texture. It has a unique fragrance with a nutty flavour that is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. I used Badshah basmati rice and it always gives me great results.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Use good quality olive oil for a great flavour. I love using Lyrakis Family cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil as it is made from 100% olives and is of great quality.
- Onion – I used white onion for this recipe. You can also use red onion or shallots.
- Garlic- It adds a great savoury flavour to the dish. Do not skip this. Make sure to sauté the garlic for less than a minute. Overcooking the garlic can completely change the overall flavour and make it bitter.
- Red peppers, green bell peppers, carrots and frozen peas- The vegetables are cooked to perfection, adding a delicious crunch and flavour.
- Tomato paste- Concentrated tomato paste, when cooked with onions and garlic, adds rich umami to this rice.
- Turmeric, chilli flakes, smoked paprika, curry powder and salt- To add flavour to the spicy rice.
- Vegetable stock – Cooking the rice, vegetables and spices in vegetable stock adds a ton of flavour you cannot achieve when cooking with plain water. I used Kallo Organic Vegetable Stock Cube, which contains no gluten.
- Butter – adds richness and enhances the flavour of the rice. Adding butter is optional. For a vegan or dairy-free alternative, skip the butter or use vegan butter.
How to make Nando’s spicy rice
This recipe is very simple to make. It involves cooking rice with onions, garlic, spices, vegetables and vegetable broth.
Before you start the cooking process:
- Wash and rinse the basmati rice at least 2 to 3 times under cold water.
- Soak the rice for about 20 to 30 minutes in water.
- While the rice is soaking, dice the onions, garlic and vegetables. Keep everything ready as you won’t have time to multitask.
Start by heating olive oil in a saucepan. Saute the onions until softened. Add garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
Next, add the red peppers, green peppers, and carrots. Toss well and cook for a minute.
Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute, till it releases its flavours. Next, throw in the turmeric, chilli flakes, smoked paprika, and curry powder and mix well. Add the soaked rice (discard the water) and salt. Add the vegetable stock and mix well. Cover with a lid and let it come to a boil.
Reduce the flame once it starts to boil. Add butter and frozen peas. Mix well and cook on a low flame with the lid on for about 30 minutes. Do not open the lid, as the steam can escape, preventing the rice from cooking thoroughly.
Once cooked, serve hot and enjoy!
I usually make a large batch to go with other dishes and store it in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions for my spicy rice recipe
Many consider Nando’s spicy rice and chicken strips or peri peri chicken as a go-to combination. But there are a ton of ways in which you can enjoy this versatile Nando’s rice as a part of a vegetarian/vegan meal. Here are some of my favourite ways to serve it:
- Add it to a burrito bowl with black beans, grilled veggies, and your favourite salsa. Rajma is one of my favourite combinations with this tasty rice.
- Spice up your tacos by adding some of this amazing spicy rice as a filling.
- Serve it as a side dish with grilled vegetables and a green salad for a complete meal. Think peri peri rice bowl.
- Mix it with cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables for a healthy and delicious lunch.
- Add it to your favourite soup for an extra kick of flavour.
- Stuff bell peppers with this rice and bake them for a tasty appetizer.
- Transform it into a yummy quesadilla by adding cheese (use vegan cheese for a dairy-free or vegan alternative) and your favourite toppings.
- Enjoy it as is for a quick and flavourful snack.
Is Nando’s spicy rice healthy
This rice is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, healthy fats and nourishing spices, making it a healthy and delicious dish. Dietary fibre is essential to maintain a healthy digestive system, and complex carbohydrates provide a slow release of energy throughout the day. The spices used to flavour the rice have anti-inflammatory properties that boost immunity and provide various health benefits.
How to store and reheat Nando’s spicy rice
Store leftover rice in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container or bag is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from entering. Once opened, do not leave the rice at room temperature for more than two hours.
Reheat the rice in a large pan on medium-high heat until it is evenly cooked and piping hot. Reheat only once.
If you wish to freeze the rice, wrap the container in a layer of aluminium foil before placing it in the freezer. Consume the rice within one month of freezing it.
FAQ
My Nando’s spicy rice is gluten-free. I used Kallo Organic Vegetable Stock Cube, which contains no gluten.
My Nando’s spicy rice is vegan if you skip the butter or use vegan butter.
Yes. Reheat the rice in a large pan on medium-high heat until it is evenly cooked and piping hot. Make sure to reheat only once. Read the storage and reheat instructions for more details.
My Nando’s spicy rice has a slight kick but is not overly spicy.
The best part about this rice is that you can adjust the spice level by simply adding more or less chilli flakes.
I highly recommend using vegetable stock. The rice will lack flavour if you cook with water.
Healthy homemade Nando’s spicy rice (Quick & easy)
Ingredients
- 250 g basmati rice washed, rinsed and soaked
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 small red bell pepper diced
- 1 small green bell pepper diced
- 1 small carrot peeled and diced
- 0.5 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon chilli flakes
- 1.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 540 ml gluten-free vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon butter optional (use vegan butter if vegan)
- 80 g frozen peas
Instructions
- Wash and rinse the basmati rice at least 2 to 3 times under cold water. Soak the rice for about 20 to 30 minutes in water.
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and carrots. Toss well and cook for a minute.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute, till it releases its flavours.
- Add the turmeric, chilli flakes, smoked paprika, and curry powder and mix well.
- Add the soaked rice (after discarding the water used for soaking) and salt.
- Add the vegetable stock and mix well. Cover with a lid and let it come to a boil.
- Reduce the flame to low. Add butter and frozen peas. Mix well and cook on a low flame with the lid on for about 30 minutes. Do not open the lid, as the steam can escape, preventing the rice from cooking thoroughly. Once cooked, serve hot. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Nutrition values are a rough estimate for guidance.
- Keep a close eye towards the end of cooking to prevent the rice from burning.
Hema
I tried the rice. It turned out amazing.. Very tasty. I recommend others to try
Vegetarian Globe
So glad to hear that. Thanks Hema!