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Nando's

Spicy Rice Recipe

Master how to cook Nando's-style spiced rice at home with this quick and easy recipe. Perfectly fluffy grains infused with aromatic herbs, spices and a hint of lemon create the ideal companion to your favorite peri-peri chicken. This authentic copycat recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

Prep

10 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serve

Kcal

220

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g basmati rice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 green bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 bay leaf</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml vegetable stock</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g canned chopped tomatoes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">750ml water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and black pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Drain well and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Add the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Pour in the vegetable stock and canned chopped tomatoes. Add the bay leaf, season with salt and black pepper, and bring to a simmer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan, along with the water. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Once the cooking time is up, remove the pan from the heat but keep it covered. Let it stand for 5 minutes – this allows the rice to steam and become perfectly fluffy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Remove the bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Serve the rice hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over. This rice pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, especially if you have some Peri-Peri sauce to drizzle on top!</li></ol>

FAQ for

Spicy Rice Recipe

What makes a good Portuguese-style spicy rice dish?

A good Portuguese-style spicy rice dish combines aromatic basmati rice with a base of sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic. The distinctive flavour comes from the blend of paprika, cayenne, herbs, and tomatoes, creating that signature spicy, tangy profile that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

How can I make my spicy rice less hot without losing flavour?

To reduce the heat while maintaining flavour, simply decrease or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also increase the smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste without heat, or add a splash of cream at the end of cooking to mellow out the spiciness while adding richness.

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati in this recipe?

Yes, brown rice works well as a healthier alternative, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time to approximately 35-40 minutes and may need to add extra liquid. The nuttier flavour of brown rice complements the spices nicely, though the texture will be less fluffy than with basmati.

What protein pairs best with spicy Portuguese rice?

Peri-Peri chicken is the classic pairing for this rice, but grilled prawns, chorizo, or pan-seared cod also work brilliantly. For vegetarians, roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese make excellent protein additions that complement the aromatic, spicy flavours.

Is this rice dish suitable for meal prep and freezing?

Absolutely! This spicy rice freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Portion it into airtight containers once cooled, and reheat thoroughly with a splash of water. The flavours often deepen after freezing, making it ideal for batch cooking and weekday meal solutions.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

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  "@type": "Recipe",
  "name": "Nando's Spicy Rice Recipe",
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "Peter Martin",
    "brand": "Once a Chef",
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  "datePublished": "2024-06-11",
  "description": "A flavorful basmati rice dish cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, inspired by Nando's famous spicy rice side dish. Perfect to serve with grilled chicken and Peri-Peri sauce.",
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  "recipeYield": "6",
  "recipeCategory": "Side Dish",
  "recipeCuisine": "Portuguese-Inspired",
  "nutrition": {
    "@type": "NutritionInformation",
    "calories": "280 calories",
    "carbohydrateContent": "54 g",
    "proteinContent": "5 g",
    "fatContent": "4 g",
    "saturatedFatContent": "0.5 g",
    "cholesterolContent": "0 mg",
    "sodiumContent": "290 mg",
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  "recipeIngredient": [
    "500g basmati rice",
    "2 tbsp olive oil",
    "1 medium onion, finely diced",
    "2 cloves garlic, minced",
    "1 red bell pepper, diced",
    "1 green bell pepper, diced",
    "1 tbsp tomato paste",
    "1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked)",
    "1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)",
    "1 tsp dried oregano",
    "1/2 tsp dried thyme",
    "1 bay leaf",
    "250ml vegetable stock",
    "400g canned chopped tomatoes",
    "750ml water",
    "Salt and black pepper to taste",
    "Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish",
    "1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving"
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Rinse Rice",
      "text": "Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Drain well and set aside."
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    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Sauté Onion",
      "text": "Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent."
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    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Add Garlic",
      "text": "Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Cook Peppers",
      "text": "Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften."
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    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Add Spices",
      "text": "Add the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors."
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Add Liquids",
      "text": "Pour in the vegetable stock and canned chopped tomatoes. Add the bay leaf, season with salt and black pepper, and bring to a simmer."
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "text": "Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan, along with the water. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid."
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "text": "Serve the rice hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over. This rice pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, especially if you have some Peri-Peri sauce to drizzle on top!"
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      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Priya Sharma",
      "datePublished": "2024-06-02",
      "reviewBody": "This spicy rice recipe is absolutely spot on! It tastes just like Nando's version but I can make it at home. The perfect balance of spices and the rice came out perfectly fluffy.",
      "name": "Perfect Nando's Copycat",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
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    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Miguel Fernandez",
      "datePublished": "2024-06-05",
      "reviewBody": "Made this to accompany some homemade peri-peri chicken and it was a huge hit with my family. The directions were clear and the result was delicious - aromatic and perfectly spiced!",
      "name": "Excellent Side Dish",
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        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
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    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Fatima Ahmed",
      "datePublished": "2024-06-10",
      "reviewBody": "I've tried several Nando's spicy rice recipes and this is by far the best. The addition of both red and green peppers gives it great flavor and visual appeal. Will be making this regularly!",
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        "@type": "Rating",
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    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Lars Svensson",
      "datePublished": "2024-06-15",
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      "@type": "Review",
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      "datePublished": "2024-06-20",
      "reviewBody": "This spicy rice has become a staple in our meal rotation. It's easy to make yet so flavorful. I sometimes add peas or corn for extra veggies and it still turns out amazing every time!",
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    },
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        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "To reduce the heat while maintaining flavour, simply decrease or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also increase the smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste without heat, or add a splash of cream at the end of cooking to mellow out the spiciness while adding richness."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can I use brown rice instead of basmati in this recipe?",
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        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes, brown rice works well as a healthier alternative, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time to approximately 35-40 minutes and may need to add extra liquid. The nuttier flavour of brown rice complements the spices nicely, though the texture will be less fluffy than with basmati."
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Nando's

Spicy Rice Recipe

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Ingredients

Directions

What makes a good Portuguese-style spicy rice dish?

How can I make my spicy rice less hot without losing flavour?

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati in this recipe?

What protein pairs best with spicy Portuguese rice?

Is this rice dish suitable for meal prep and freezing?

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