One Pot Rainbow Brown Rice

Have you ever considered getting yourself a rice cooker? If you haven't, this recipe might just convince you! Over the 30-plus years I've been cooking, my rice cooker has been a trusted kitchen companion. It simplifies my routine, the first step of my dinner prep is always putting the rice cooker on. While it takes about 45 minutes for the rice to cook, I use that time to prepare the main dish.

But with One Pot Rainbow Brown Rice, my rice cooker takes care of the entire meal! All I have to do is prep the ingredients, pop them in the pot, press the cook button, and wait to enjoy a healthy, delicious and colourful dish.

Ingredients for One Pot Rainbow Brown Rice

One Pot Rainbow Brown Rice is a great way to use up leftover protein and vegetables in your fridge. However, there are a couple of tips to keep in mind: Avoid using leafy vegetables or quick-cooking vegetables. Since the rice cooker takes about 45 minutes, these veggies will overcook and loose their texture.

Protein

Today, I used ham, chopping into cubes as it needed to be eaten. Leftover chicken, pork or any other protein works perfectly here - just use whatever you have on hand.

Vegetables

For this dish, I chose:

• Carrots (chopped into cubes)
• Sweetcorn kernels
• Edamame beans

These were readily available in my fridge and freezer. Feel free to substitute with other options like frozen peas. My goal was to achieve a vibrant mix of colours, so choose vegetables that add to the rainbow.

Sauce and Seasonings

For a flavourful dish, you'll need:

• Soy sauce (light or dark - I prefer dark for its bold, dramatic colour)
• Ground pepper
• Sesame oil (or olive oil, though sesame oil adds a nutty, fragrant touch)

Mix these ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. This sauce beautifully ties the dish together.

Rice

The base of the dish is brown rice, which is perfect for this recipe. Not only is it healthier, but the grains separate nicely when cooked. If you prefer white rice, that's fine too - just remember to use slightly less water during cooking.

How to make One Pot Rainbow Brown Rice

This dish is as easy as it gets!

Prepare the ingredients

Chop your protein and vegetables, and mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasoning.

Assemble

Add brown rice, prepared vegetables, protein and sauce into the rice cooker pot.

Add water

Pour in just enough water to cover all the ingredients.

Cook

Press the cook button and let the rice cooker do the rest.

Serving Suggestion

After about 45 minutes, your One Pot Rainbow Brown Rice is ready! The result is a dish bursting with colour and packed with flavour. For an extra touch:

• Sprinkle some fried onions on top.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
• For a fun presentation, I beat a couple of eggs and fry them into a thin, even layer like a crepe. Place the cooked rice in the egg layer, wrap it up and flip it upside down onto a serving plate. Cut open the top for a dramatic reveal of the colourful, flavourful rice inside. This simple trick adds a touch of elegance and excitement to your meal.

Why this dish works

• Minimal Effort: One step and your rice cooker handles the rest.
• Nutritious: Packed with whole grains, protein and a rainbow of veggies.
• Customisable: Swap in whatever you have in your fridge.

This recipe isn't just convenient, it's a satisfying meal that feels like a treat every time. If you've been debating whether to invest in a rice cooker, let this dish be your sign!

Enjoy the fuss-free, flavourful One Pot Rainbow Brown Rice.

If you prefer fried rice, give these recipes a try:

Hanoi Beef Fried Rice with Pickles.

Turkey Leftovers Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice