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One-Pot Rice Cooker Rainbow Veggie Delight

Fluffy basmati rice infused with vibrant vegetables and savory aromatics, all cooked in one pot.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

The rice cooker, often relegated to simple steamed rice, is a culinary powerhouse waiting to be unlocked. This recipe transforms the humble appliance into a vehicle for a fragrant and nutritious vegetarian meal. Drawing inspiration from Asian-inspired rice dishes, this recipe prioritizes ease and convenience without sacrificing flavor. The result is a comforting and colorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a simple lunch.

  • •Effortless One-Pot Cooking - Minimal cleanup makes this a weeknight winner.
  • •Aromatic Infusion - Ginger and garlic permeate every grain with a subtle warmth.
  • •Vibrant and Nutritious - A rainbow of vegetables adds essential vitamins and fiber.
  • •Customizable Veggies - Easily swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables.
  • •Perfectly Cooked Rice - The rice cooker ensures consistently fluffy rice every time.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 2 cups Basmati rice
  • 2 1/2 cups Vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1/2 medium Onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger (grated)
  • 1 medium Carrot (diced)
  • 1 medium Bell pepper (diced (any color))
  • 1 cup Frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce (low sodium)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy during cooking. Drain the rice thoroughly.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Use a fine-mesh sieve for easy rinsing.
  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil in the rice cooker pot using the sauté function, if available, or by briefly turning on the cooker. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it's hot enough.

    ~2 min

    Tip: If your rice cooker doesn't have a sauté function, you can use a separate pan, then transfer the ingredients to the rice cooker.
  3. 3

    Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking; the onions should become fragrant and slightly golden.

    ~5 min

    Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary.
  4. 4

    Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Freshly grated ginger is best for flavor.
  5. 5

    Add the diced carrot and bell pepper to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. This allows the vegetables to release some of their natural sweetness.

    ~4 min

    Tip: Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
  6. 6

    Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavorful broth.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
  7. 7

    Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and soy sauce. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed in the broth.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Gently stir to avoid breaking the rice grains.
  8. 8

    Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the 'cook' or 'rice' setting. Allow the rice cooker to cook until it switches to the 'warm' setting.

    0
    Tip: Do not open the lid during the cooking process to avoid releasing steam and affecting the cooking time.
  9. 9

    Once the rice cooker switches to 'warm', let the rice sit for 10 minutes, undisturbed. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking, resulting in fluffier grains.

    ~10 min

    Tip: This resting period is crucial for achieving optimal texture.
  10. 10

    Gently stir in the frozen peas until they are evenly distributed throughout the rice. The residual heat will thaw the peas quickly.

    ~1 min

    Tip: If you prefer softer peas, you can add them a few minutes earlier.
  11. 11

    Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. This prevents the rice from clumping together.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Be gentle when fluffing the rice to avoid breaking the grains.
  12. 12

    Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and vibrant rice dish!

    0
    Tip: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can brighten the flavors.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

The rice is done when all the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are fluffy and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One-Pot Rice Cooker Rainbow Veggie Delight as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!