Rice Pilaf with Peas
A light and fluffy brown rice pilaf, gently simmered with sweet peas, savory onions, and a hint of butter. The perfect simple side dish to accompany fish or chicken, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Sauté the onion.
In a small saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
TIPCook the onion gently to bring out its sweetness without browning it.Toast the brown rice.
Add the rinsed brown rice to the saucepan. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the grains are coated in butter and smell slightly nutty.
TIPToasting the rice enhances its flavor and helps keep the grains separate after cooking.Simmer the rice.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, and add the salt and black pepper.
- Stir once and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
TIPAvoid lifting the lid while the rice is simmering, as this lets steam escape and can result in undercooked rice.Steam the peas.
After 20 minutes, quickly remove the lid, scatter the frozen peas over the top of the rice, and immediately replace the lid. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the peas are bright green and tender.
Rest the pilaf.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and finish cooking.
Fluff and serve.
Uncover the pilaf and gently fluff the rice and peas with a fork. Serve warm as a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing the brown rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming gummy.
- 2For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf along with the chicken broth and remove it before serving.
- 3Ensure your saucepan lid fits tightly to trap the steam, which is essential for cooking the rice perfectly.
- 4Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and a teaspoon of olive oil or vegan butter.
healthyHealthy
To add more fiber and nutrients, stir in a handful of finely chopped spinach or kale along with the peas.
quickQuick
Use quick-cook brown rice and adjust the simmering time according to the package directions for a faster version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Fiber
Brown rice is a whole grain that provides dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help you feel full longer.
Provides Plant-Based Protein
Peas are a good source of plant-based protein and essential nutrients like vitamin K, manganese, and folate.
Low in Calories
This recipe is portion-controlled and uses minimal fat, making it a light and low-calorie option to complete a meal.
Frequently asked questions
This light version of rice pilaf contains approximately 114 calories per serving, making it a great low-calorie side dish.