Spring Pea Mint Rice Pilaf (Printable)

Fragrant pilaf combining sweet peas, fresh mint, and long-grain rice for a bright, light side dish.

# What You Need:

→ 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

# How to Make It:

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. If using frozen peas, add straight from the freezer; if fresh, add them 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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in just 35 minutes, leaving you time to focus on everything else on the table.
  • The fresh mint transforms ordinary rice into something that tastes like springtime itself.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so it actually works for everyone sitting down to eat.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice, no matter how tempting it is; this single step determines whether you end up with fluffy grains or a starchy, sticky mess.
  • The mint goes in at the very end because heat turns fresh mint dull and slightly bitter, so you want it bright and alive in your finished dish.
03 -
  • If your broth is particularly salty, reduce it slightly and make up the difference with water so you have control over the final seasoning.
  • The secret to restaurant-quality rice is letting it rest covered after cooking; this steaming period is when the grains truly finish cooking and separate.
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