Love Nando’s spicy rice? Now you can make it at home in one pot and under 30 minutes! This recipe is a fast, flavorful fix for any night.
Missing your favorite Nando’s spicy rice because you’re stuck at home? Why not make it yourself? It’s super easy and you only need a few things like rice, onions, bell peppers, green peas, and some spices. It’s cheap, quick, and you can whip it up in under 30 minutes.
What I love about this rice is how versatile it is. Serve it as a side, or throw it into salads, wraps, or casseroles. Make a big batch at the start of the week and you’re set for days. Just mix it with whatever you’ve got in the fridge!
Quick Note: this rice packs a punch! I’m all about that heat, but it might not be for everyone. If you’re worried, just dial back the spices.
So, grab your ingredients and let’s get this rice rolling!
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- It’s very easy to make.
- It will take you less than 30 minutes.
- It’s a one-pot dish. You don’t need to clean a mountain of dirty dishes after.
- You can adjust the recipe as your family prefers. Add your favorite spices.
- It will save you time & money.
🥘 Ingredients And Substitutes
- Long-Grain Rice. This is the base, absorbing all the flavors perfectly. Basmati or jasmine are good alternatives, offering unique textures and aromas.
- Bell Pepper. Adds a sweet crunch and a splash of color. No bell pepper? Try diced carrots or celery for a similar effect.
- Onion. Provides a foundational flavor. Substitute with shallots or leeks for a similar mild, aromatic quality.
- Garlic. Key for a pungent flavor boost. If unavailable, a teaspoon of garlic powder works as a milder substitute.
- Frozen Green Peas. They bring sweetness and a vibrant contrast. Fresh peas or chopped green beans are great too.
- Garlic Powder. Enhances the garlicky touch. Onion powder is a good alternative for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Paprika. Offers warmth and a smoky flavor. Smoked paprika deepens the smokiness, while mild chili powder adds a touch of heat.
- Chili Pepper. Essential for the heat. Use cayenne or red pepper flakes for a milder spice.
- Turmeric. Adds a vibrant yellow hue and an earthy taste. No turmeric? A pinch of saffron provides a similar color with a floral subtlety.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
Start by heating a bit of oil in a pan until it’s hot enough to sizzle the spices. Then, toss all your spices into the pan.
Quick Note: Begin with coarsely crushed spices and gradually add the finer ones to avoid burning them.
Once you catch the aroma of spices, add the chopped onion and garlic.
Sauté them for about 2 minutes, then toss in the bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
Now, add the rice.
Quick Note: Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly in 4-5 changes of water until it runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from sticking.
Next, throw in the green peas. Use fresh if they’re in season, otherwise frozen works fine.
Season with 2 teaspoons of salt for now—you can adjust this later to taste.
Pour in 4 cups of water, or use vegetable broth for more flavor.
When it starts to boil, cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Afterward, turn off the heat but keep the lid on for about 5 more minutes.
Quick Note: Keep the lid on the whole time to retain the steam and cook the rice properly.
Finally, fluff the rice with a fork. Your spicy rice, Nando’s style, is ready to serve!
🍲 Leftovers And Storage
Refrigeration: After the spicy rice cools to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep the rice from picking up other smells and losing moisture.
Freezing: For longer storage, spicy rice freezes well. Spoon the cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, flatten them to squeeze out extra air, and label with the date. You can store it like this for up to 2 months. Freezing in smaller portions lets you thaw just what you need without waste.
Thawing and Reheating: To thaw, shift the rice to the fridge overnight. If you’re in a rush, the microwave’s defrost setting works, but remember to stir it now and then for even thawing.
🤔Answering Your Questions:
Can I Use a Different Type of Rice for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of rice, such as basmati, jasmine, or brown rice. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and liquid ratio may vary depending on the type of rice you choose. Be sure to follow the specific cooking instructions for the rice variety you select.
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add protein sources like cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas to make this dish more filling and nutritious. Add the cooked protein towards the end of the cooking process to ensure it doesn’t overcook or become dry.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier or Milder?
You can adjust the spiciness of the dish to suit your preferences by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper used in the recipe. To make the dish milder, reduce the red pepper or eliminate it entirely. For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Rice?
Yes, you can customize this dish by adding other vegetables such as diced carrots, zucchini, corn, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly, and add the vegetables at the appropriate stage of cooking to ensure they are cooked through.
Recipe Card:
One-Pot Homemade Nando’s Spicy Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice long-grain
- 4 cups Water
- 1 Bell pepper
- 1 Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 ⅕ cups Green peas frozen
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Chili Pepper Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Turmeric
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Warm the oil and add the spices to the pan.
- When you will start to smell the spices, add the onion and chopped garlic to the pan. Cook them for about 2 minutes.
- After that, add the bell pepper to the pan and cook it for another 2 minutes.
- Wash well the rice 4-5 times and add it to the pan.
- Add the green peas. If it is the season, use fresh peas. If not – you can use frozen peas.
- Add only 2 teaspoons of salt for now. In the end, you will adjust the salt to your taste.
- Add 4 cups of water or if you prefer a more intense taste, you can replace the water with vegetable or meat broth.
- When the rice starts to boil, cover with a lid and simmer the rice for 15 minutes.
- After that, turn off the heat and leave the rice under the lid for about 5 minutes.
- After that, take a fork and mix well the rice. Our Spicy rice in the Nando's style is ready to be served.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- When you will add the spices in the beginning, it’s important to start with spices that are coarsely crushed, and step-by-step to gradually add the spices that are crushed finner and finner. In that way, you will avoid burning the spices.
- It is important to wash the rice well in 4-5 waters until the water in which you wash it will be transparent. This will prevent the rice from sticking during cooking because we have washed off all the excess starch.
- In the end, after you will turn off the heat, don’t remove the lid all this time because you will lose all the steam and the rice will not be prepared as needed.
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