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 kind, but jasmine works best); 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups vegetable broth; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice for a cozy weeknight dinner. The sweet potatoes bring a gentle sweetness, while the smoky paprika adds a depth of flavor that makes each bite utterly delicious. It’s a perfect balance of taste and texture, and when paired with some fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt, it takes the dish to another level. Plus, it's super easy to whip up, making it a go-to in my kitchen during the fall months.

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:04:09.533Z

Making Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice has become a cherished routine in my home. Each time, I tweak the balance of spices or swap in different herbs to suit my mood. The smoky flavor is so inviting, and it’s truly a testament to how one ingredient can elevate a simple base of rice. I often find myself enjoying leftovers, as the flavors intensify overnight and create a delightful lunch the next day.

An essential tip I learned is to toast the paprika before adding it to the rice; this method releases its natural oils, resulting in a richer flavor that transforms the whole dish. Don’t skip this step if you want to experience that warm, smoky goodness that makes this recipe stand out!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The comforting sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes
A delightful smoky flavor that adds incredible depth
Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners

      

Choosing Your Rice

Selecting the right type of rice is crucial for achieving the desired texture in Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice. I recommend jasmine rice because its slightly sticky nature complements the creamy sweetness of the sweet potatoes. If you prefer, basmati rice can also work well, offering a firmer texture and nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; for instance, basmati typically requires slightly less liquid, so adjust your vegetable broth accordingly.

Always rinse your rice under cold water before cooking. This step removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy. Aim for at least 5-10 minutes of rinsing until the water runs clear. This tip not only improves the final texture but also enhances the overall presentation of the dish.

Sweet Potato Preparation Tips

The sweet potatoes in this recipe bring both flavor and nutrition, making them an essential ingredient. When dicing them, try to keep the pieces uniform for even cooking. I find that ½-inch cubes work best, ensuring they cook through while still holding their shape. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the diced sweet potatoes for about 3-5 minutes before adding them to the pot, which will speed up the cooking process.

For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of salt to the diced sweet potatoes prior to cooking. This simple step enhances their natural sweetness and balances the smoky flavor from the paprika. It's a subtle but effective way to elevate your dish's overall taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Once your Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice is cooked, serving it with fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, adds a bright, aromatic finish. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can also enhance the flavors, adding a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the sweet potatoes. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, tofu, or legumes to create a complete protein dish.

Feel free to experiment with additional spices as well. A pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce a spicy kick, while a bit of cinnamon could provide an unexpected warmth. You can even swap out the sweet potatoes for other root vegetables, such as butternut squash, for a new twist. Each variation presents an opportunity to customize this dish to your taste.

Ingredients

For the Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice

1 cup rice (any kind, but jasmine works best)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups vegetable broth
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, adding the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Add Spices and Sweet Potatoes

Stir in the smoked paprika and cumin, cooking for another minute to release the spices' aromas. Then, add the diced sweet potatoes along with salt and pepper. Mix well to coat.

Cook the Rice

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the rice, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender.

Finish and Serve

Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with some crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. To ensure quality, let the rice cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore the rice’s moisture and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, avoiding high heat to prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming mushy.

You can also freeze the prepared dish for up to three months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and when you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above. The flavors may even deepen after freezing, making this dish just as satisfying on meal number two or three.

Common Troubleshooting

If your rice comes out undercooked or the sweet potatoes are still firm, it may be that the heat was too low or you didn’t allow enough cooking time. Always ensure you’ve brought the broth to a boil before adding the rice. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, consider adding a bit more broth and covering the pot to create steam, which will encourage even cooking.

On the flip side, if you find the mixture too watery, it could be due to too much liquid being added or the lid being removed too frequently. For a quick fix, simply remove the lid and cook on low heat for a few more minutes, allowing the excess moisture to evaporate. Keeping a close eye on cooking times and liquid levels will significantly enhance your final dish.

Scaling Up or Down

This Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice recipe is easily scalable. If you're entertaining or prepping for a larger family, you can double the ingredients without any issues. Just ensure your cooking pot is big enough to accommodate the extra volume, and keep an eye on the simmering time as some variation may occur.

On the other hand, if you're cooking for one or two, you can easily halve the recipe. Remember that cooking times should remain mostly consistent; just watch for the sweet potatoes – if they are at or below 1-inch cubes, they’ll be fully tender within the same 20-minute window.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe uses vegetable broth and no animal products, making it vegan-friendly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

→ What pairs well with Smoky Paprika Sweet Potato Rice?

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even just a simple salad for a light meal.