Spring Pea Mint Pilaf (Print Version)

Fragrant pilaf with fresh peas and mint, perfect for adding a light, vibrant side to your dinner.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Steps:

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 Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes with almost zero stress, leaving you mentally free to set a nice table.
  • The mint and lemon combination wakes up your palate in a way that makes ham or roasted chicken taste even better.
  • It's the kind of dish that tastes impressive but requires just a few ingredients you probably already have on hand.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice—starchy rice turns into mush, and you'll lose that beautiful separate-grain texture that makes pilaf feel elegant.
  • The mint must go in after cooking, not during, because heat turns it dark and musty instead of keeping it bright and alive.
03 -
  • Toast your rice in the butter for a full minute before adding broth—this small step builds a richer, more complex base flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Add the mint at the very end right before serving so it stays vibrant green and aromatic instead of turning dull and muted from the heat.
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