Pea Pilaf
A fragrant and vibrant pea pilaf with tender rice and sweet peas, perfect for a quick vegetarian main or side dish that delights with subtle spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry chopped onion in vegetable oil until translucent.
- Add cardamom to the hot oil, then add peas and stir for about 3 minutes.
- Add rice and 2 cups of water, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cook until the rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or coriander alongside the cardamom. You can substitute the peas with other vegetables such as diced carrots or bell peppers for variety. For a richer taste, use vegetable broth instead of water. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be used; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This Pea Pilaf pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Cantaloupe And Blackberry Salad or Green Pepper Saute. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with a side of Tabboulen Salad. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the pilaf and microwave it for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of oil if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea Pilaf contains roughly 224 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2008mg per serving (87% 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 make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Pea Pilaf ahead of time. Cook it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. It will taste great when reheated, just remember to add some water to prevent it from drying out.
What type of rice works best for this pilaf?
Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine is ideal for this recipe as it remains fluffy and separates well when cooked. However, you can also use brown rice for added nutrition; just increase the cooking time and water.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can include cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they heat through without becoming overcooked.
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).