This Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf with Peas and Carrots is a fragrant and colorful dish that combines basmati rice with sweet peas, tender carrots, and a blend of warm spices. It’s a delightful addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The recipe is straightforward and can be customized with your choice of nuts and dried fruits, making it an easy rice pilaf option for any occasion. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes and is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal.
Overview of Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf
The Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf with Peas and Carrots is a delightful dish that brings together fluffy basmati rice, vibrant green peas, and tender orange carrots. This colorful combination not only pleases the eye but also offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
This recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal, serving as a side dish that complements a variety of main courses. Its versatility makes it a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, showcasing the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
Ingredients That Shine
The key to a successful Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf lies in its ingredients. Basmati rice serves as the foundation, providing a light and fluffy texture. The addition of peas and carrots not only enhances the dish’s nutritional value but also adds a burst of color.
To elevate the flavor profile, a blend of spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric is incorporated, creating a warm and aromatic experience. Topping the pilaf with toasted almonds or pine nuts, along with dried fruits like raisins or apricots, introduces delightful crunch and sweetness.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this vegetable rice pilaf is straightforward and can be completed in about 30 minutes. Start by sautéing onions until they become translucent, which forms the aromatic base of the dish.
Next, add diced carrots and frozen peas, allowing them to cook until tender. The spices are then introduced, filling the kitchen with enticing aromas. Once the rice is added, it’s combined with vegetable broth or water, bringing everything together for a simmering finish.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice Pilaf with Peas is perfect for serving alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a larger Mediterranean spread. The vibrant colors and textures make it an inviting centerpiece on any table.
For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh note to the dish. Whether for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this pilaf is sure to impress.
Health Benefits
This Vegetable Rice Pilaf is not only delicious but also nutritious. Basmati rice is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy, while peas and carrots contribute essential vitamins and minerals.
With a balance of healthy fats from the nuts and the natural sweetness of dried fruits, this dish can be a wholesome addition to your diet. Each serving offers a satisfying blend of flavors without overwhelming calories, making it a smart choice for any meal.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of this Easy Rice Pilaf is its adaptability. Feel free to customize the recipe by incorporating different vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Experimenting with various nuts and dried fruits can also change the flavor profile, allowing you to create a unique version of this Mediterranean Rice Pilaf each time you prepare it. Whether you prefer the crunch of walnuts or the sweetness of figs, the possibilities are endless.
Easy Vegetable Rice Pilaf Recipe
This rice pilaf features aromatic basmati rice cooked with peas and carrots, enhanced by spices and topped with toasted nuts and dried fruit for added flavor. The dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pine nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried raisins or apricots (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Then, add the frozen peas and cook until heated through.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir well. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in toasted nuts and dried fruit if using. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g