Lemon Rice And Peas
A vibrant, flavorful lemon rice and peas dish with toasted spices and crunchy cashews, perfect for a quick, healthy vegetarian meal or a side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a pot.
- Add long grain brown rice, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add cumin seed and mustard seed; cook, stirring, until mustard seed begins to pop.
- Add chopped scallions and cook until softened, approximately 1 minute.
- Add cooked rice, thawed frozen peas, raw cashews, soy sauce, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
- Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring to combine all flavors.
- Serve hot, optionally wrapped in tortillas.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the long grain brown rice with jasmine or basmati rice. If you don’t have raw cashews, roasted ones will work too, but reduce the cooking time to prevent burning. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and color. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lemon Rice and Peas as a standalone dish or as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Indian recipes, such as Curried Lentils And Rice, for a complete meal. Garnish with additional parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Rice And Peas contains roughly 1233 calories, with 56g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (148% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2507mg per serving (109% 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 frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand to ensure even cooking. They will add a nice pop of color and sweetness to the dish without altering the flavor significantly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced fresh chilies when cooking the onions. Alternatively, serve with a side of your favorite hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Lemon Rice and Peas holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just portion it out in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).