Spring Pea Mint Rice Pilaf (Printable Version)

Fragrant rice with sweet peas, fresh mint, and a hint of lemon makes a perfect light side dish.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Rice & Broth

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine
02 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 cup fresh or frozen spring peas
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Herbs & Seasonings

07 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
09 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

12 - Lemon wedges

# Steps:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
02 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat the grains with butter and aromatics.
05 - Pour in the vegetable broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
06 - Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
07 - Stir in the peas, adding frozen peas directly from the freezer or fresh peas raw. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
09 - Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the mint, parsley, and lemon zest.
10 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes with simple, accessible ingredients
  • Bright, fresh flavors that celebrate spring's best produce
  • Naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free and vegan
  • Perfect balance of sweet peas, aromatic mint, and fluffy rice
  • Makes an elegant side dish that pairs with everything from holiday ham to weeknight chicken
  • Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and add-ins
02 -
  • Use basmati or jasmine rice for the best texture and aroma
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice—it's essential for fluffy, separate grains
  • Toast the rice in butter before adding liquid to develop deeper flavor
  • Add frozen peas directly from the freezer for the brightest color
  • Stir in fresh herbs off the heat to preserve their vibrant color and flavor
  • Let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing for perfect texture
  • Use low-sodium broth so you can control the final seasoning level
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