Craving a simple yet incredibly delicious side dish that will transform your everyday meals? Look no further than this mouthwatering Rice Medley with Peas and Carrots! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, nutritious dish that's guaranteed to become a family favorite. Packed with colorful vegetables and perfectly cooked rice, this recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner routine and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Dice the carrots into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to shimmer but not smoke.
- Add diced carrots to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.
- Pour in the rice and stir, coating the grains with oil and allowing them to toast for 1-2 minutes, which enhances their nutty flavor.
- Add vegetable broth to the pan, stirring to combine rice, carrots, and liquid evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, fold in the peas to warm them through without overcooking.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow moisture to distribute evenly.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, gently mixing the peas and carrots throughout.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and ensures fluffy, separate grains.
- Toasting the rice in olive oil before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and provides a more complex taste profile.
- Use a tight-fitting lid when simmering to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow moisture to distribute, resulting in a more consistent texture.
- For extra flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, or add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or parsley.
- If you prefer a more colorful dish, try using a mix of white and wild rice for added texture and visual appeal.
- For a protein boost, consider adding diced cooked chicken or tofu when folding in the peas.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
