Quick One Pot Vegan Rice Alla Puttanesca Recipe

Looking for a deliciously different way to enjoy the classic flavors of puttanesca sauce? Vegan puttanesca pasta using rice, a kind of risotto puttanesca! Using simple pantry staples bursting with amazing flavor of Kalamata olives, capers with tomato puree, this dish offers a delightful twist on a beloved Italian classic making a delicious dinner. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a flavorful side dish, Puttanesca Rice is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Why You'll Love This:

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with savory and briny flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
• Versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side.
• Offers a delicious alternative to traditional pasta-based puttanesca dishes.
• Easily customizable to suit your personal taste preferences.

This was inspired by my Jolloff Recipe on this site, and pairs well with this Vegan Meatloaf recipe.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This:
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Top tip
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice (white or brown)
• 1 can gandules (pigeon peas), drained and rinsed
• ½ cup olives, sliced (such as kalamata or black olives)
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons sofrito paste
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups water or vegetable stock
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Sear Aromatics:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.

Add Rice and Other Ingredients:

• Add the rice to the pot and toast it for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently.
• Stir in the sofrito paste, tomato paste, olives, capers, and drained gandules.

Pour in Liquid:

• Add water or vegetable stock to the pot, ensuring that the rice and other ingredients are fully submerged.

Season and Simmer:

• Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Serve:

• Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan, if desired.

Hint: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dish just before serving.

Substitutions

Different Beans: Substitute gandules with your favorite beans, such as red kidney beans or chickpeas.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of rice for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Fresh Tomatoes: Use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste for a lighter, fresher flavor.

Variations

Spaghetti Puttanesca Twist: Use cooked spaghetti instead of rice for a more traditional puttanesca pasta dish.

Vegan Puttanesca Risotto: Swap rice for Arborio rice and prepare it as a creamy risotto, adding puttanesca ingredients for a flavorful twist.

Puttanesca Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the puttanesca rice mixture as a filling for roasted bell peppers for a fun and colorful meal.

Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti noodles until al dente.
• Colander: To drain the cooked spaghetti noodles.
• Large Skillet or Pan: For sautéing the zucchini, onions, and sofrito.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and tossing the ingredients in the skillet.
• Pasta Fork or Tongs: For lifting and serving the cooked spaghetti noodles.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure the ingredients such as sesame oil, miso, tahini, and scallions.
• Serving Plates or Bowls: For plating and serving the finished Vegan Miso Oatmilk Ramen.
• Garlic Press or Microplane Zester: If using fresh garlic or lemon zest, respectively, these tools can help mince or grate them finely.
• Food Processor: If making homemade vegan pesto, a food processor can be handy for blending the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
• Pine Nut Grinder: If using whole pine nuts for garnish, a grinder can help crush them into smaller pieces before sprinkling over the finished dish.

FAQ

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

• Yes, you can substitute tomato paste with canned tomatoes. Simply crush or blend the canned tomatoes before adding them to the dish. San Marzano tomatoes will work wonders and will result in a delicious meal.

How can I make this dish spicier?

• Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil for extra heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, Puttanesca Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze leftovers?

• Yes, you can freeze leftover Puttanesca Rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

What is sofrito paste?

• Sofrito paste is a flavorful base used in many Latin American and Caribbean dishes. It typically contains ingredients such as onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes, blended into a smooth paste. I use this as a flavor enhancer, you can use miso paste as well.

Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or any other vegetables you like to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]: