Nando’s Rice Recipe

Why You’ll Like It

Here are some reasons why you should try Nando’s spicy rice recipe:

• You don’t have to lose any time and money ordering a takeaway when you can follow our Nando’s special rice recipe!
• A one-pot rice recipe packed with flavour that you can easily cook at home.
• It’s perfectly paired with our Peri Peri Nandos Chicken, a side to most main dishes, or simply eaten as it is!

For The Perfect Spicy Rice

• Swap the hot water and stock for homemade vegetable stock for added flavour.
• Not a fan of certain spices like cumin or turmeric? Feel free to omit them without compromising the dish.
• Remember, this isn’t a risotto! Stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan

What You Need

• Olive Oil – I find olive oil is the best choice but you can choose your preferred vegetable oil
• Water – The ingredient found in every rice recipe.
• Vegetable Stock – I prefer homemade but you can use even chicken stock.
• White rice – The recipe uses white rice but I admit that I love to use Basmati from time to time.
• Onion – White or red doesn’t make a difference in the taste.
• Red Pepper – The Red Pepper and Turmeric make the recipe vibrant.
• Peas – Frozen peas can be added without the need for thawing.
• Chilli Flakes – Add chilli flakes or cayenne if you prefer. I like it mild so I add 1/4 teaspoon. But if you like “hot” then add at least 1/2 teaspoon.
• Cumin, Turmeric, and Paprika – The perfect trio of spices that enhance all the other flavours

How to Make a Spicy Rice?

To make a Spice Rice like Nando’s recipe is quick and easy once you have the recipe and all the ingredients! In short, this is all that is needed

1. Heat the oil in a pan.
2. Fry pepper and onion for 2 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
3. Add all the dried spices and cook for a further minute.
4. Add the rice together with the hot water, and stock to the pan.
5. Add the peas and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Lower the heat and leave it to cook slowly covering the lid for around 30 minutes.
7. Mix the rice regularly to ensure the rice doesn’t stick.
8. Check the rice is perfectly cooked and serve.
9. Enjoy!

Saving Nando’s Spicy Rice For Later

I prefer not to keep rice dishes refrigerated for more than 24 hours to maintain their freshness and safety. If I prepare Nando’s Spicy Rice for dinner, any leftovers are usually eaten for lunch or dinner the next day. However, if you’re short on time and need to save it for later, here are some tips:

• Make Ahead: Prepare the rice in advance and reheat it just before serving for lunch or dinner.
• Refrigerate: Allow the rice to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Freeze: While I haven’t frozen it myself, this dish freezes well. Cool the rice completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Remember to reheat thoroughly before serving to ensure it’s piping hot and safe to eat.

Serving Nando’s Spicy Rice

This rice dish is one of my favourites as it really can be served as a side with most mains and any leftovers can then be used for lunch. How do you serve it? Serve it with :

• Nando’s-style peri-peri chicken, grilled or roasted.
• Grilled prawns or air-fried salmon option.
• Sautéed shrimp, spicy sausage, or diced grilled chicken for a protein-packed one-pot dish.
• Avocado slices, fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a dollop of yoghurt or hummus – make a perfect salad bowl.
• Roasted sweet potato cubes or grilled halloumi on top.

Health Info