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Peri Peri Rice is a wonderfully simple side dish that turns everyday basmati rice into something bold, colorful, and full of flavor.
The rice cooks in a savory combination of vegetable or chicken stock, tomato passata, garlic, smoked paprika, and Peri Peri sauce, creating grains that are infused with a deliciously smoky, tangy, and spicy taste. Basmati rice gives the dish a light, fragrant texture, while fresh coriander adds a bright finishing touch.
The amount of Peri Peri sauce can be adjusted to suit your preferred level of heat, making it easy to customize.
With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and a short cooking time, this rice makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or other flavorful main dishes.
It is an easy way to add extra personality to a simple meal without complicated preparation.
Easy Peri Peri Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the Rice: Wash the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear rather than looking milky.
- Warm the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over low heat.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 30 seconds, taking care not to overcook it.
- Add the Rice: Stir the rinsed basmati rice into the pan.
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and add the tomato passata or crushed tomatoes, Peri Peri sauce, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and salt, then stir everything together.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat as needed and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Covered: Cover the pan with its lid and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Rest the Rice: Turn off the heat, but leave the covered pan on the stove for another 10 minutes without removing the lid.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir the rice gently, taste, and add more salt if necessary, then sprinkle with chopped fresh coriander or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Basmati rice is used in the original recipe, but long-grain rice can also be used.
- Choose a deep pan that has a well-fitting lid, as the rice needs to remain covered during cooking and resting.
- Start with 1 tablespoon of Peri Peri sauce for a milder result, then increase the amount to 2 tablespoons if you prefer more heat.
- Nando’s Garlic Peri Peri Sauce works particularly well, although other Peri Peri sauce flavors can be used.
- Wash the rice until the water is no longer milky before cooking for the best result.
- If needed, taste the finished rice and adjust the salt before garnishing.
Chef’s Secret
For especially flavorful rice, let the rinsed basmati rice cook directly in the seasoned stock, tomato, garlic, paprika, and Peri Peri mixture rather than cooking it separately.
Keeping the pan covered during both the 10-minute cooking period and the additional 10-minute resting period allows the rice to finish gently while retaining the flavors of the cooking liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Peri Peri Rice as a flavorful side alongside grilled or roasted meats, chicken, or vegetables.
A sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander or cilantro adds a bright, fresh finish.
Because the rice already has a smoky, tomato-rich and spicy flavor, it pairs especially well with simply seasoned main dishes that allow its bold taste to stand out.
Conclusion
This Easy Peri Peri Rice is a simple way to transform basic basmati rice into a flavorful side dish with very little preparation.
The combination of garlic, tomato, smoked paprika, stock, and Peri Peri sauce gives each grain a savory, smoky, and pleasantly spicy character.
With a short cooking process and an easy covered resting method, it is a practical recipe for adding variety to everyday meals.
Adjust the Peri Peri sauce to your preferred heat level, finish with fresh coriander, and enjoy a rice dish that is both versatile and full of personality.
