Basmati Rice and Pea Pilaf (Peas Pulao) Recipe

Gently spiced and toasted rice, studded with sweet green peas.

By
Denise D'silva Sankhé
Denise D'silva Sankhé is a Contributing Writer at Serious Eats.
Denise D'silva Sankhé

Denise is the author of The Beyond Curry Indian Cookbook: A Culinary Journey Through India. She wrote the popular Beyond Curry column for Serious Eats starting in 2012.

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Updated Oct. 24, 2018
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With plenty of rice on hand, a basmati rice and pea pilaf is in order. It's a simple and straightforward side dish, but little green peas and a combination of chilis, onions, and warm spices make it far more exciting than a bowl of plain white rice.

Recipe Facts

4.5

(2)

Active: 15 mins
Total: 35 mins
Serves: 4 servings

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil

  • 4 to 5 whole cloves

  • 1-inch stick cinnamon

  • 4 to 5 small green chiles, slit lengthwise

  • 2 medium onions sliced thin (about 2 cups)

  • 2 cups basmati rice

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin powder

  • 5 cups water

  • Kosher salt

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cloves and cinnamon and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add chillies and onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring frequently, until nutty, about 2 minutes. Add peas and cumin powder and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute longer. Add water and salt, bring to a boil, and reduce to lowest heat setting. Cover with lid and allow to cook until all the water is absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes. Serve hot with daal or raita.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
232 Calories
7g Fat
37g Carbs
6g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 232
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 10%
Saturated Fat 1g 3%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 254mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 37g 13%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 35mg 177%
Calcium 62mg 5%
Iron 3mg 14%
Potassium 300mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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