Rice Pilaf With Peas
A flavorful rice pilaf with crispy bacon and sweet green peas, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a savory, hearty taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp in a skillet, then remove and set aside, reserving a small amount of fat.
- Cook the chopped onion in the bacon fat until tender.
- Stir in rice, frozen peas, water, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked bacon and onions back into the skillet.
- Heat the mixture to boiling point.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. You can substitute the bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option. If you want to add more vegetables, diced carrots or bell peppers work well. For added depth, a pinch of saffron or a bay leaf during cooking can enhance the dish. Always rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
Serving Suggestions
This rice pilaf with peas makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken, such as those found in American recipes. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Divine Casserole for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor. Serve it alongside a salad for a complete dinner.
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 pilaf to prevent it from drying out. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Pilaf With Peas contains roughly 625 calories, with 19g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 983mg per serving (43% 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, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You should adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and increase the water to 2 1/2 cups for best results.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even diced tofu for a protein boost. You can also mix in roasted vegetables or nuts for added texture and nutrients, making it a heartier meal.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor with sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a savory kick.
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).