Arroz a banda light

A lighter arroz a banda that supports gentle digestion and fiber variety.

Plant Based Protein Rich
86%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

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Recipe description

Arroz a banda light is a comforting, lighter take on a classic rice dish, designed to be easy on the stomach while supporting fiber variety. The recipe centers on tender rice with a gentle stock and colorful vegetables, creating balanced nourishment for everyday meals. It emphasizes whole grains, plant diversity, and moderate portions, making it a practical choice for regular eating patterns. While not a medical claim, it can fit into a mindful approach to digestion and gut-friendly eating by incorporating fiber, polyphenol-rich vegetables, and varied textures.

July 13, 2026
Arroz a banda light
Prep 15 min Cook 45 min Medium

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Why this recipe fits you

  • Rich in fiber from brown rice and colorful vegetables.
  • Includes diverse plant ingredients across vegetables, herbs, and grains.
  • Balanced with olive oil and vegetables to support steady energy.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
85
🍇 Polyphenol density
75
🧬 Diversity support
80
🛡️ Inflammation support
82
🫧 Fermentation support
5
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
80

Ingredients

Rice, brown
1 cup
Rice, brown
Vegetable broth
2 cup
Vegetable broth
Oil, olive
1 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Onion
0.5 piece
Onion
Garlic
2 clove
Garlic
Carrot
1 piece
Carrot
Bell Pepper
0.5 piece
Bell Pepper
Zucchini
0.5 piece
Zucchini
Tomato
1 piece
Tomato
Pea, green
0.5 cup
Pea, green
Saffron
0.25 teaspoon
Saffron
Paprika powder
0.5 teaspoon
Paprika powder
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.25 teaspoon
Black pepper
Parsley
1 tablespoon
Parsley

Instructions

1

Finely chop the onion and garlic. Dice the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and tomato into small pieces.

2

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

3

Add the diced vegetables (carrot, bell pepper, zucchini) and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.

4

Add the brown rice and stir to coat with oil. Toast for 1 minute.

5

Pour in the vegetable broth and add saffron, paprika powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.

6

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

7

Stir in green peas and diced tomato during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

8

Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

420 kcal Calories
14 g Protein
52 g Carbohydrates
7 g Fiber
6 g Sugar
14 g Fat
2 g Saturated fat
1.4 g Salt

FAQ

Is this dish vegetarian or vegan?
It's vegetarian as written; vegan if you use a vegan vegetable broth.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free vegetable broth and check labels; otherwise it may contain gluten.
Can I substitute brown rice with white rice?
Yes, but cooking time and water amount will change; white rice cooks faster and needs less water.
How can I increase fiber or add more vegetables?
Add more vegetables or legumes, or use a higher-fiber grain; adjust portions as needed.
Can I make it ahead or meal-prep?
Refrigerate for 2–3 days; reheat with a splash of broth; freezing isn’t ideal for texture.
What is arroz a banda?
It is a rice dish cooked in stock; this light version is a one-pot veggie-forward take.
How should I adjust salt for a low-sodium diet?
Use less salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) or opt for a low-sodium broth.
Can I add protein?
Yes: seafood like shrimp or fish, or plant proteins like chickpeas; adjust cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for saffron?
Saffron adds color and flavor; turmeric can substitute for color, but the flavor changes; you can omit it.

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