Rice Pilaf With Black-Eyed Peas And Green Beans
A vibrant rice pilaf featuring black-eyed peas and green beans, seasoned with aromatic spices and lemon juice, perfect for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 2 c. long grain rice, preferably basmati ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper ⓘ
- dash of cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium-size garlic clove, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 1 medium-size onion, peeled and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. green beans, trimmed and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Place rice in a large bowl with cold water to cover.
- Swish the rice around quickly with your hands; pour off most of the water.
- Repeat 6 to 8 times, or until the water is no longer cloudy.
- Cover the rice with water and set aside for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful rice pilaf, consider toasting the rice in the vegetable oil before adding water. You can substitute the black-eyed peas with kidney beans or chickpeas if needed. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten the dish. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference, and consider incorporating some diced tomatoes for added moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rice pilaf as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or as a main vegetarian dish with a simple green salad. It pairs beautifully with Stewed Codfish or can be enjoyed on its own as a fulfilling meal. For an added kick, serve with a wedge of lemon or lime, which complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice pilaf and microwave it covered to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Pilaf With Black-Eyed Peas And Green Beans contains roughly 1020 calories, with 35g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (157% of the Daily Value), and calcium (115% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1154mg per serving (50% 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 rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time than basmati. Be sure to check the package instructions for specific guidance.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or including diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve the pilaf with a hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This rice pilaf holds up well in meal prep. It's nutritious, filling, and can be easily reheated. Portion it out for lunches during the week, and feel free to mix in different vegetables or proteins as needed to keep it interesting.
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).