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 jasmine rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love creating dishes that warm my heart and soul, and Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice has quickly become one of my favorites. The creamy texture of the sweet potatoes combined with the fragrant smokiness of the paprika creates a delightful dish that can stand alone or accompany any main course. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, as it’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Get ready to enjoy a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug!

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-18T14:31:08.393Z

When I first experimented with smoky paprika in my cooking, I was blown away by how it elevated the simplest ingredients. Using it with sweet potatoes was a game changer, resulting in a dish that felt both comforting and exotic. The natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly contrasts the smokiness, making it a delightful balance of flavors.

Over time, I've refined this recipe, focusing on the textures and the way everything comes together. Cooking the sweet potatoes until they're tender and then mixing in the rice creates a lovely creaminess. I recommend using a good quality smoked paprika to get that rich flavor we love so much!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The warmth of smoky paprika enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying, hearty meal.
Versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a vegetarian main course.

      

Essential Techniques for Perfect Rice

Cooking rice perfectly is crucial in this recipe, as the texture sets the foundation for the dish. Start by toasting the jasmine rice in olive oil, which not only introduces a nutty flavor but also helps to prevent clumping. Keep an eye on the rice and stir occasionally to avoid burning, aiming for a light golden hue before adding the vegetable broth. When the broth boils, it should have a gentle simmer before covering it to create steam, ensuring the rice will be fluffy and well-cooked.

The timing is also essential when cooking rice. Jasmine rice typically takes about 15 minutes to cook, during which you should avoid lifting the lid too soon. A common mistake is to disturb the rice, as that can lead to uneven cooking. To gauge readiness, once the timer goes off, check for a slight al dente texture; if there's still some bite, cover it back up for an additional 2-3 minutes. The rice should be fluffy and glossy when properly cooked.

Making the Most of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also bring a natural creaminess that complements the dish beautifully. When steaming, cut them into evenly sized chunks to ensure they soften uniformly. If you find that your sweet potatoes are taking longer to cook, they may be too large or your steamer may not be heating evenly. Test them with a fork; they should be tender and easily mashable but not falling apart. This technique helps in achieving that ideal texture to blend seamlessly with the rice.

Using smoked paprika is key to creating the dish's signature flavor. However, if you want to alter the taste profile, consider other spices like cumin or even a dash of cayenne for heat. Just remember that these substitutions can change the overall outcome, so it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust based on your palate. After mashing, texture is everything; you want a smooth mixture that incorporates well into the rice without being too watery or dry.

Ingredients

For the Rice

1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon olive oil

For the Sweet Potato Mixture

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well before cooking.

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the jasmine rice and toast it for 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

While the rice is cooking, steam the diced sweet potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Once tender, mash with a fork and stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Combine Everything

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and gently stir in the mashed sweet potato mixture. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve and Garnish

Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley for added freshness.

This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed onions or garlic at the beginning. You can also experiment with other spices such as cumin or chili powder for a twist on the flavor palette.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice is excellent for meal prep. You can cook the rice and sweet potato mixture ahead of time, then simply combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Store each component in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, steam the sweet potato mixture gently to maintain its creamy consistency, and heat the rice in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to revive its fluffiness.

If you're looking to enjoy this dish later, consider freezing it. Assemble the dish without garnishing, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Adding a splash of vegetable broth can help revive the moisture in the rice.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is heavenly on its own, it also pairs beautifully with various proteins. Grilled chicken or tofu adds a delightful contrast, while chickpeas can make it an even heartier vegetarian main course. If you're serving it with a protein, consider drizzling a bit of lemon juice over the entire plate to brighten the flavors. It brings a refreshing finish to the dish.

For a complete meal, consider adding a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale. The bitterness of the greens superbly offsets the sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a well-balanced meal. Garnishing with chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that lightens the richness of the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

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

→ Is this dish vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a great option for vegans.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. It also tastes great the next day!

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This smoky paprika sweet potato rice pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.