Saucy Peas And Rice
A creamy, savory peas and rice dish featuring mushrooms and a mushroom soup sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir mushrooms in hot margarine in a saucepan until lightly browned.
- Add peas, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer 2 minutes.
- Stir in rice, cover, and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding minced garlic or chopped onions when sautéing the mushrooms. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce or use cream of celery soup. For a vegetarian version, ensure the margarine is dairy-free. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This saucy peas and rice dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a refreshing salad, like Orange Onion Salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also top it with grated cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to prevent the rice from drying out and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more liquid as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Peas And Rice contains roughly 754 calories, with 11g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (87% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 979mg 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 instant rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time. Make sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you prefer, you can use butter or olive oil instead of margarine for sautéing the mushrooms. This will add a different flavor profile, and both options work well in this recipe.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more filling. Just add the protein after the rice has been stirred in, allowing it to heat through before serving.
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).