Looking for a vibrant and delicious dish that’s not only quick to prepare but also entirely vegan? Look no further than our Green Pea Rice Pilaf! This delightful recipe combines the aromatic flavors of basmati rice, sautéed onions, and garlic, all brought together with the sweet freshness of green peas. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a wholesome meal that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones with this colorful, nutritious, and oh-so-satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the cumin and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the basmati rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the rice with the oil and mix with the onion and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the green peas. If using frozen peas, thaw them by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes. If using fresh peas, simply rinse them with water.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the green peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Don’t skip rinsing the basmati rice! This step removes excess starch, ensuring your pilaf is fluffy and not sticky.
- Customize the Broth: For an extra flavor boost, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding herbs like bay leaves or thyme to the broth while cooking.
- Sauté with Care: Keep an eye on the onions and garlic as they sauté; you want them to be golden and fragrant, not browned or burnt.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Peas: Both fresh and frozen peas work beautifully in this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them beforehand for even cooking.
- Add Herbs: For a pop of color and flavor, garnish your pilaf with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
- Make it a Meal: To turn this pilaf into a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chickpeas or other legumes for extra protein.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
