Rice and Green Peas

Rice and green peas is a fun, versatile side dish that doesn’t take long to make. If you have 25 minutes, you can do this! The dish starts like an herbed rice pilaf recipe, where the rice and green onions are sauteed in butter. Then, the rice is cooked in chicken broth until tender, and the peas and a bit of Parmesan cheese are added near the end.

This combination of green peas and rice is so tasty that even pea-haters will be converted into pea-lovers. The cheesiness makes this a rice dish everyone will love! The recipe works well as a stand-alone weeknight meal or a side dish to something more elaborate, such as a fish fillet or meat entree.

Ingredients for Rice and Green Peas

• Rice: We recommend using long-grain rice for this recipe. Basmati is a great choice, as it tends to be less sticky than other types of rice.
• Peas: You could make this recipe with fresh peas when they’re in season, but we usually use frozen peas. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
• Green onion: Green onions add a delightful crunch and a pop of color to this rice and green peas recipe. They’re milder in taste than yellow or white onions.
• Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe.
• Chicken broth: Cooking rice in chicken broth infuses every grain with savory flavor. You can use store-bought chicken broth or homemade chicken broth.
• Parmesan cheese: For the best flavor, grate your own cheese from a block of Parmesan. Pregrated cheese works in a pinch, but it won’t melt as well.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the rice

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In a small saucepan, saute the rice and onion in butter until the onion is tender.

Step 2: Stir in the broth and the pepper

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Stir in the broth and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add the peas and the cheese

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Add the peas to the saucepan. Cover and cook for five to six minutes longer or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir in the cheese.

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Rice and Green Peas Variations

• Add a protein: Stir any cooked protein into the rice alongside the peas. Try ground beef, tuna fish, shrimp or shredded chicken.
• Make it cheesier: To make a cheesier version of green peas and rice, simply double (or triple!) the amount of Parmesan cheese. You can also swap in other hard, aged Italian cheeses, like Romano or Asiago.

How to Store Rice and Green Peas

Let the rice and green peas cool slightly. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze rice and green peas?

Yes, you can freeze cooked rice dishes like rice and green peas. It’s a great time-saver idea for dinners down the road! Freeze the cooled rice in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. For best quality, plan on using the rice within one month.

How do you reheat rice and green peas?

Reheat rice and green peas in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-high heat until cooked through. Alternatively, you can reheat rice in the microwave.

Rice and Green Peas Tips

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What seafood dishes go well with rice and green peas?

This rice and green peas recipe pairs well with most seafood recipes for dinner. Try serving the rice with pan-seared salmon or baked crab cakes.

Can you make a vegetarian version of rice and green peas?

To make vegetarian rice and green peas, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Other than the lack of chicken flavor, the recipe will not change much.

Do you need to rinse rice before making rice and green peas?

You don’t need to rinse the rice for this rice and green peas recipe. Just add it to the pan and start cooking! In fact, if you run water over the rice before cooking it, you may rinse away some of the nutrients.