Basmati Rice Pilaf With Peas And Cashews
A fragrant basmati rice pilaf with peas and toasted cashews, combining delicate flavors and textures perfect for a quick, satisfying vegetarian main or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add rinsed and drained rice, sauté and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour boiling water over the rice and stir once.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 12 minutes.
- Scatter frozen peas over the top in one layer.
- Cover and simmer until rice and peas are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve garnished with toasted cashews.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water. You can also substitute the cashews with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked frozen peas to save a few minutes. Make sure to rinse and drain the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Basmati Rice Pilaf with Peas and Cashews as a side dish alongside grilled meats or curries like Curried Beef or Chicken. It also pairs beautifully with Indian recipes such as Fried Indian Bread (Poori) or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, top with sautéed vegetables or a dollop of yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and cover it while microwaving to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop, adding a little water and stirring gently to avoid sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basmati Rice Pilaf With Peas And Cashews contains roughly 807 calories, with 26g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (180% of the Daily Value), iron (109% of the Daily Value), and calcium (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2157mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown basmati rice instead of white?
Yes, you can use brown basmati rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking period, around 40-45 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness and add more water if necessary.
Is this dish suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or coriander. You can also serve it with a side of Mango Chutney for a flavorful complement.
Can I add other vegetables to this pilaf?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate diced carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them with the onions in the beginning to ensure they are cooked through by the end of the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).