Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice

Name: Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rice (any variety); 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups vegetable broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love the flavors in this Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice! It's a dish that combines sweetness with a hint of smokiness, creating a delightful explosion of flavors. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe makes a comforting side or a satisfying main course. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled chicken or enjoying it on its own, the warm spices and vibrant colors brighten up any meal. I can't wait for you to try it and fall in love with it as much as I have!

Created by

Rowan Tate

Last updated on 2026-01-18T12:40:12.556Z

When I first experimented with this Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice, I wanted to find a dish that was both hearty and flavorful. The combination of sweet potatoes and smoked paprika creates a warming aroma that fills the kitchen. I discovered that sautéing the sweet potatoes slightly before adding the rice enhances their natural sweetness and brings out the smokiness in the spices.

This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but is also vibrant and colorful, making it a feast for the eyes! It pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs sprinkled on top, adding a burst of freshness that complements the smokiness perfectly. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        An irresistible combination of sweet and smoky flavors
Colorful presentation that makes it a visual feast
Nutritious and filling, perfect as a side or main

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the sweet potato, which not only adds sweetness but also a creamy texture once cooked. When selecting sweet potatoes, look for those that are firm and smooth, avoiding any that feel soft or have blemishes. The variety of rice you choose can also impact the dish; I recommend using long-grain rice for a fluffy texture, but short-grain rice can offer a creamier result if preferred.

Smoked paprika is a critical ingredient in this recipe, giving it that signature smoky flavor. It's important to use quality smoked paprika, as the flavor intensity can vary. If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, a mix of regular paprika and a dash of liquid smoke or cayenne can be an effective substitute, though the resulting flavor will differ slightly.

Cooking Technique Insights

When sautéing the onion and garlic, aim for a medium heat to avoid burning. You want the onions to soften and become translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step develops a fragrant foundation for the dish, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully with the sweet potatoes and rice. Keep an eye on it, stirring frequently, as garlic can turn bitter if browned too much.

For the simmering process after adding the broth, make sure the pot is covered tightly to trap steam, which aids cooking the rice evenly. If you notice the rice drying out too quickly during this time, adding a splash of water or broth can help ensure everything remains moist. This dish benefits from a gentle simmer achieved by lowering the heat adequately after reaching a boil.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before starting your cooking adventure:

Ingredients

1 cup rice (any variety)
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice:

Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.

Cook Sweet Potatoes

Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and sprinkle with smoked paprika. Stir to coat the sweet potatoes in the seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, ensuring it's well mixed with the sweet potato mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice and sweet potatoes are tender.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and top with fresh parsley before serving.

Your Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. It really brightens up the dish!

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice is a fantastic dish to prepare in advance. You can cook it up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture. This also helps revive the flavors, which can deepen after a day of sitting.

If you're looking to freeze leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth if necessary to ensure it does not become dry.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, creating a balanced meal that's both hearty and vibrant. If you're looking to keep it vegetarian or vegan, consider serving it alongside a leafy green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, as the acidity will perfectly complement the smokiness of the rice.

For a delightful twist, consider adding roasted chickpeas or black beans to the rice to enhance its protein content. If you prefer an extra kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or serve with a side of hot sauce to allow diners to add their desired heat level. The versatility of this dish truly makes it a standout on any table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and adjust the liquid accordingly.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan as it uses vegetable broth.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or any other favorite vegetables.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.