Easy Green Pea & Basmati Rice Recipe – Indian Flavors

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Green Pea & Basmati Rice Recipe – Indian Flavors

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s a total comfort food classic in my family – a simple, flavorful green pea and basmati rice. It’s the kind of dish my mom used to make on busy weeknights, and now it’s a go-to for me when I want something quick, satisfying, and packed with Indian flavors. It’s seriously so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This green pea rice isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile. It’s a perfect side dish to any Indian curry, a light lunch on its own, or even a comforting dinner. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the delicate aroma of basmati rice combined with the sweetness of green peas and a beautiful blend of spices.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• ½ cup green peas
• 1 medium onion
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1.5 cups water
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Basmati Rice: Choosing the Right Grain
Basmati is key here. Look for aged basmati rice – it’s longer, fluffier, and has a more pronounced aroma. I usually get the Daawat or India Gate brands. About 185g of rice is equivalent to 1 cup.

Green Peas: Fresh vs. Frozen
Fresh green peas are wonderful when in season, but frozen work perfectly well and are super convenient! No need to thaw them beforehand. Around 120g of peas is equivalent to ½ cup.

Whole Spices: The Foundation of Flavor
Don’t skip the whole spices! They really build the flavor base. If you don’t have all of them, don’t worry (we’ll talk about substitutions later!), but they add a lovely depth.

Oil: Regional Variations & Healthy Options
Traditionally, this is made with vegetable oil, but you can use ghee for a richer flavor, or even a light olive oil for a healthier twist. About 30ml of oil is equivalent to 2 tbsp.

Lemon Juice: Brightness and Balance
A little lemon juice brightens everything up. You can also use a splash of lime juice if you prefer!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

First, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak it in water for 20-30 minutes. This helps the grains cook up nice and fluffy. Drain it well when you’re ready to go.

Next, heat the oil in a pan, pressure cooker, or even an Instant Pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds – you’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant. This is called “blooming” the spices, and it releases all their amazing flavor.

Now, add the chopped onion, julienned ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the green peas and the drained rice. Sauté for another 2 minutes, just to coat everything in the spiced oil.

Pour in the water, add salt to taste, and the lemon juice. Give it a good mix.

Now, it’s cooking time!
* Stovetop: Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).
* Pressure Cooker: Close the lid and cook for 2 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally.
* Instant Pot: Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve hot with raita, your favorite curry, or just enjoy it as is!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Achieving Fluffy Rice Every Time
Soaking the rice is crucial. It helps the grains cook evenly and prevents them from sticking together.

Spice Bloom: Maximizing Flavor Release
Don’t rush the spice bloom! Letting the spices sizzle in the hot oil releases their essential oils and creates a much more flavorful dish.

Adjusting Water Levels for Different Rice Types
Basmati rice is pretty forgiving, but if you’re using a different type of rice, you might need to adjust the water level. Generally, use a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation
This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just ensure you’re using vegetable oil instead of ghee.

Gluten-Free Confirmation
Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment: Mild to Spicy
Adjust the number of green chilies to control the heat. My husband loves it spicy, so I usually add 2-3, but for the kids, I stick to just one.

Festival Adaptation: Holi or Ugadi Special
During festivals like Holi or Ugadi, I like to add a pinch of saffron to the rice for a beautiful color and aroma.

Serving Suggestions

This rice is incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With a classic Dal Makhani
• Alongside a flavorful Chicken Curry
• As a light lunch with a side of yogurt
• With a simple vegetable stir-fry

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Basmati rice is definitely the best choice! Its long grains and delicate aroma make it perfect for this dish.

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are a great substitute and just as delicious.

How do I adjust the cooking time for different stoves/pressure cookers?
Cooking times can vary depending on your appliance. Keep an eye on the rice and adjust accordingly. If it’s still too hard, add a little more water and cook for a few more minutes.

What if I don’t have all the whole spices?
Don’t worry! You can omit the spices you don’t have, or substitute with a pinch of garam masala. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.

Can this rice be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just reheat it gently with a splash of water before serving.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and how it turns out. Happy cooking!