Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice

Name: Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rice (basmati or jasmine); 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love experimenting with flavors in my cooking, and this Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice has quickly become a favorite. The combination of sweet potatoes and smoky paprika creates a unique and comforting dish that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables. I've crafted this recipe to be both simple and satisfying, using ingredients I often have on hand. In just under an hour, you can bring a little warmth to your table with this delightful side that’s sure to impress with its vibrant color and rich taste.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:07:11.213Z

When I first made this Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice, I was astounded by how the flavors came together. The sweet, earthy taste of the sweet potatoes, combined with the warmth of the smoky paprika, transformed a simple rice dish into something truly special. I find that cooking the rice in vegetable broth instead of water enhances the flavor even more.

One tip I discovered is to let the dish sit for a few minutes off the heat after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together, making every bite just as delicious as the first. Trust me; it’s worth that extra patience!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Irresistibly smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness
Easy to make with minimal ingredients
A visually stunning dish that brightens up your table

      

Understanding the Key Ingredients

The heart of this Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice lies in its ingredients, with sweet potatoes being the standout. Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully when sautéed, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. I recommend choosing sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh for added color and nutrition. If you’re pressed for time, you can microwave your diced sweet potatoes for about 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet; this will speed up their cooking time significantly.

Smoked paprika is another essential ingredient that gives this dish its signature smoky depth. Not all paprika is created equal—look for a high-quality smoked variety to ensure a robust flavor. If you don't have smoked paprika on hand, you could substitute with regular paprika combined with a dash of liquid smoke, but the flavor won’t be as rich. The smokiness balances perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes, creating a harmonious blend that’s sure to impress.

Cooking Techniques: Perfecting Your Rice

When cooking rice, it’s crucial to use the right ratio of liquid to rice to achieve the desired texture. For basmati or jasmine rice, the standard ratio is typically 2:1, which is maintained with the addition of vegetable broth in this recipe. As the rice cooks, keep an eye on the heat; too high can lead to burnt rice, while too low can leave it mushy. A gentle simmer is ideal for a fluffy finish, and it's important to let the dish rest covered after cooking to allow the steam to finish the job.

Fluffing the rice with a fork after resting not only separates the grains but also helps retain the light texture. I recommend doing this gently to prevent breaking the grains. If you find the rice is sticking together, it might not have cooked long enough or you may need to improve your fluffing technique. Remember, patience is key—waiting those extra few minutes can significantly enhance the dish’s overall quality.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful dish:

Ingredients

1 cup rice (basmati or jasmine)
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

With these ingredients, you're ready to cook up a delicious Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your dish:

Cook the Sweet Potatoes

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Then, add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender.

Add Rice and Broth

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, add the rice and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the rice with the paprika. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice has absorbed the broth and is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.

Fluff and Serve

After resting, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty dish!

Now that you’ve completed the steps, it’s time to enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Servings and Storage

This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it a fantastic side dish for gatherings or meal prep for busy weeks. If you're cooking for a smaller crowd, feel free to halve the recipe, but remember that cooking times may vary slightly. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to regain moisture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked rice. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly, then transfer to a freezer bag. It should freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired—adding fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon can help revive the flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or pan-seared fish, as the smokiness complements the charred flavors perfectly. Tossed with roasted vegetables or served under a poached egg for a healthy brunch option, it truly shines as a versatile side dish.

Feel free to get creative with variations—try adding in some black beans for protein or sprinkle feta cheese on top for a tangy contrast. If you're looking for a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the dish. Mixing in other spices like cumin or coriander can also give it an extra flavor boost, turning this delightful rice into a global fusion experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that the rice is not processed in a facility that handles gluten.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and does not contain any animal products.

→ What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

You can try using butternut squash or carrots for a similar sweetness and texture.