Spring Pea Mint Rice Pilaf (Print Version)

Fragrant pilaf combining sweet peas and fresh mint for a light, flavorful side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice & Broth

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (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
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

12 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
02 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the rinsed rice and stir constantly to coat all grains evenly with butter and aromatics.
05 - Pour in the vegetable broth, add salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
06 - Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring.
07 - Stir in the peas directly from the freezer if frozen, or add fresh peas raw. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow residual moisture to distribute.
09 - Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the fresh mint, parsley, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The mint stays bright and fresh because you add it at the end, so it tastes like you just picked it from the garden.
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes and actually tastes better than the complicated side dishes that demand your attention.
  • Spring peas add natural sweetness without needing sugar, and they pair with ham or chicken like they were made for each other.
02 -
  • If you add the mint too early or stir it repeatedly, it bruises and turns dark, losing that bright flavor that makes this dish special.
  • The frozen peas don't need thawing; they're already blanched, and adding them straight from the freezer means they cook perfectly in those final five minutes.
03 -
  • Taste the broth before you use it; if it's particularly salty, reduce it by a quarter cup and add a bit of water instead.
  • Keep the lid on while the rice simmers so steam escapes gradually and the rice cooks evenly without drying out at the edges.
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