15 Veggie Pilafs, Paellas and Risottos

Rice dishes are so comforting, healthy, and great when you are feeding an army of friends and family.

Here are some great recipes that help you bring plain old rice to another level and keep things interesting and flavorful at meal times.

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 20,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help you get healthy! 

1. Easy Weeknight Pilaf

Source: Easy Weeknight Pilaf

 This Easy Weeknight Pilaf by Lydia Filgueras is an easy and simple pilaf recipe that will save your weeknights! It’ll be your go-to recipe when you’re busy but still need something delicious and nourishing.

2. Zesty Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

Source: Zesty Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a staple on many dinner tables and dining menus. This Zesty Cauliflower Rice Pilaf by Carly Paige is light, refreshing, and only gets better with age. This zesty cauliflower rice pilaf also makes an easy and flavorful side dish!

3. Pumpkin Puree Sage Risotto

Source: Pumpkin Puree Sage Risotto

This creamy Pumpkin Puree Sage Risotto by Kristina Jug & Mitja Bezenšek is the perfect meal on a rainy day. It’s easy to make and perfect for a gluten-free meal.

4. Herbed Barley Pilaf

Source: Herbed Barley Pilaf

This Herbed Barley Pilaf by America’s Test Kitchen has a judicious mix of bold herbs (fresh thyme, parsley, and chives) that make for an aromatic, balanced side dish. Cooking an onion and then toasting the barley before adding a measured amount of water enhances the barley’s inherent nuttiness.

5. Vegetable Pilaf Bowl with Creamy Turmeric Dressing

Source: Vegetable Pilaf Bowl with Creamy Turmeric Dressing

Pilaf is the term used for rice cooked in seasoned broth. The rice is typically sautéed in oil before the spices and broth are added. The vegetables in this bowl give the pilaf texture, nutrients, and flavor. This Vegetable Pilaf Bowl with Creamy Turmeric Dressing by Sapana Chandra is a great potluck dish as it tastes delicious both warm and at room temperature.

6. Veggie Paella

Source: Veggie Paella

This Veggie Paella by Rachel Phipps has got lots of tasty veggies, and some smoky paprika. While it is different from what you’ll find on the streets of Spain, it is something you can achieve in under an hour on a busy weeknight. The leftovers are also delicious cold if you’re into that sort of thing.

7. Paella with Cashews and Olives

Source: Paella with Cashews and Olives

This Paella with Cashews and Olives by Alison Corey is fragrant and healthy. Made with arborio rice diced peppers, black olives, and cashews for crunch, this special occasion meal is simple enough to make on a weeknight! This version doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques, unusual equipment, or numerous steps. It also doesn’t take a ton of time to make. It will be ready to serve in less than an hour.

8. Paella with Chorizo Tofu

Source: Paella with Chorizo Tofu

This Paella with Chorizo Tofu by Denise Perrault is made with chorizo tofu, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and peas. It is a delectable Spanish-inspired plant-based meal that you have to try.

9. Spanish Artichoke and Zucchini Paella

Source: Spanish Artichoke and Zucchini Paella

What is paella, you ask? It’s a traditional Spanish rice dish, served as a main course, that originated in the province of Valencia. This Spanish Artichoke and Zucchini Paella by Adams Media is a take on the beloved favorite that has turmeric in it rather than saffron (because that stuff is expensive!).

10. Spiced Wine Paella 

Source: Spiced Wine Paella

Hearty and satisfying, this Spiced Wine Paella by Peffe Stahl does not disappoint. The warm and aromatic spices will tantalize your tastebuds and leave you feeling satisfied.

11. Roasted Vegetable Risotto

Source: Roasted Vegetable Risotto

A creamy and filling dish loaded with delicious roasted vegetables and rich, flavorful risotto.  This Roasted Vegetable Risotto by Robin Browne is loaded with nutritional yeast to create that cheesy texture. The combination of white wine and vegetable broth creates an aroma in the kitchen that will have your mouth drooling.

12. Vegan Risotto with Mushrooms and Turmeric

Source: Vegan Risotto with Mushrooms and Turmeric

When you have just a few ingredients in the fridge, improvisation is a way to go. This Vegan Risotto with Mushrooms and Turmeric by Gabriela Lupu is simple and uses ingredients you usually have on hand to create a flavorful dish!

13. Baked Mushroom Risotto With Rosemary and Dried Cranberries

Source: Baked Mushroom Risotto With Rosemary and Dried Cranberries

This Baked Mushroom Risotto With Rosemary and Dried Cranberries by Taavi Moore is incredibly creamy and luscious. It’s embedded with soft, chewy chunks of dried cranberries and sun-dried tomatoes and flavored with fresh rosemary and homemade cream of mushroom soup. This will be the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving meal.

14. Asparagus Risotto With Lemongrass and Thai Basil

Source: Asparagus Risotto With Lemongrass and Thai Basil

This Asparagus Risotto With Lemongrass and Thai Basil by Adam Merrin and Ryan Alvarez highlights this healthy winter vegetable in the most flavorful way possible. Sautéed asparagus tips are cooked separately until golden and crispy while the remainder is sliced and cooked gently with Thai basil, fresh mint leaves, and loads of shallots. The risotto is simmered with a fragrant homemade broth filled with fresh lemongrass, ginger, crushed garlic, and soy sauce.

15. Pumpkin Puree Sage Risotto

Source: Pumpkin Puree Sage Risotto

This creamy Pumpkin Puree Sage Risotto by Kristina Jug & Mitja Bezenšek is the perfect meal on a rainy day. It’s easy to make and perfect for a gluten-free meal.

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