Delicious Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice Recipe With Peas
Prepare to experience a flavorful explosion of orange-cardamom goodness with this vegan recipe for Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice With Peas. This aromatic twist on traditional brown rice is perfect for anyone who loves Indian-inspired flavors and is looking for a healthy, gluten-free option to add to their diet.
As you savor the delightful aroma of freshly ground cardamom and orange zest, you’ll start to understand why this dish has become one of my go-to recipes. Not only is it easy to make, but this vegan recipe delivers on taste in a big way.
If you’re new to cooking with whole grain brown rice, don’t be intimated – it’s healthier than white rice and packed with nutrients, including fiber and B vitamins. Plus, making the switch from white rice will add a nutty flavor and satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy notes in this dish.
Trust me, this Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice With Peas recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it up as a side dish or adding protein and veggies for a complete meal, this vegan recipe will delight your taste buds and provide all the nourishment your body needs. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice with Peas recipe is a must-have in your recipe book for several reasons. Not only is it gluten-free, but this dish is also packed with nutrients and bold flavors.
The combination of the aromatic orange zest, earthy brown rice, and the spicy ground cardamom will leave your taste buds yearning for more. The burst of pea flavor that pops with every bite makes it the perfect addition to any meal plan.
Plus, this easy-to-make recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. You can bring this to your next potluck or add it to your weeknight dinner rotation for a healthy and filling meal that everyone will love.
With the added benefits of brown basmati rice, turmeric, and vegan margarine made from oat milk, you can feel good about nourishing your body while indulging in this delicious dish.
In short, this Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice with Peas recipe is a versatile and delicious option for any occasion. Not only does it fit into many dietary lifestyles such as vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also perfect for anyone looking to explore new flavors or simply enjoy a nutrient-dense meal.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this flavorful and healthy dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of brown basmati rice
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegan margarine (Earth Balance Vegan Margarine or any vegan margarine/butter can be used)
- 2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- zest of one orange
- 1 cup of frozen or fresh peas
The combination of spices and citrus flavors brings an amazing taste to the rice. Brown Basmati rice adds nutty flavors and texture to the recipe while peas provide a natural sweetness to the dish. This gluten-free meal will give you the right amount of fibers, protein and carbohydrates. Let’s dive into making this delicious vegan recipe that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. You’ve gathered your ingredients and you’re ready to make this dish. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice With Peas.
Instructions:
Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Rice
Start by rinsing the 1 cup of brown basmati rice until the water runs clear. Then, soak it in 2 cups of fresh water for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
When the rice has soaked, drain any excess water and place it in a pot with 1 cup of fresh water. Add 1 tablespoon of vegan margarine, 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
Bring it all to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to its lowest setting, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 35-40 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is fully cooked through.
Step 3: Add Peas
When there’s only around five minutes left on the timer, add in one cup of frozen peas. They’ll heat through quickly and brighten up this already-flavorful dish.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Once everything is cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for around five minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will allow excess steam to evaporate and give you perfectly cooked, fluffy rice that won’t stick together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve!
Stir in a bit of grated orange zest for an extra touch of flavor and freshness. Scoop into bowls or plates and serve immediately as a main dish or side dish alongside your favorite vegan proteins such as Beefless Tips, chickpea rice salad or even Parsi Pulao and enjoy!
This recipe serves four people as a side dish or as two generous main portions.
Note: If you prefer your rice pudding creamier, we recommend using oat milk instead of water – particularly if you are looking for Indian subcontinent dessert-style texture.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, there is always room for exploration and experimentation. If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some substitutions and variations you can try with this recipe:
– Instead of peas, try using edamame or chopped asparagus for a twist on the dish.
– For added texture and nutrition, add in diced carrots or bell peppers.
– Swap out the orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a citrusy kick.
– If you don’t have ground cardamom on hand, you can use whole cardamom pods instead. Crush them slightly to release the flavor and remove them before serving.
– If you prefer not to use vegan margarine, substitute with coconut oil or olive oil.
– For a gluten-free option, swap out the brown basmati rice with quinoa or another gluten-free grain.
– If you like your rice pilaf on the spicier side, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
– If you want to make this dish more protein-packed, add some chickpeas or tofu.
Remember that the possibilities are endless when it comes to making substitutions and variations to recipes. Don’t be afraid to get creative and see what works for you!
Serving and Pairing
This rich and aromatic Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice with Peas (Vegan) recipe is a fantastic main dish that can be paired with different sides to create an exquisite meal. Here are some serving and pairing suggestions to consider.
For a complete vegan feast, you can serve this rice pilaf alongside some beet greens or a delicious chickpea rice salad. The sweetness of the peas and the citrusy aroma of the orange zest perfectly complement the earthy flavor of the beet greens or chickpeas, making for a satisfying and healthy meal.
If you’re in the mood for something more exotic, consider pairing it with saffron rice or a fragrant basmati rice pulao recipe. The yellow hues of the saffron and turmeric, combined with the aromatic cardamom brown rice, make for a stunning visual and sensory experience while also being incredibly flavorful.
Another great pairing option is with Indian subcontinent dishes like vegan fried rice or beefless tips rice that can be served with this dish. It’s perfect if you love rice and want to try something new yet familiar at the same time.
On its own, this Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice with Peas (Vegan) recipe makes a delightful side dish or even as an accompaniment to salads, vegan stews or curries.
You may opt to sprinkle some chopped cilantro to add a burst of freshness to your dish. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, pair this Indian-inspired rice pudding recipe with oat milk for dessert – It’s guaranteed to be a hit with your guests!
Whether served alone or as part of a larger menu, this tasty and aromatic Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice with Peas (Vegan) recipe is sure to please any palate.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to make this orange-cardamom brown rice with peas recipe ahead of time, you can easily do so! It stores very well in the refrigerator or freezer, making meal prep a breeze.
To make ahead: Cool the cooked rice completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat from the refrigerator: Transfer the rice to a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the rice in a pan on medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if necessary, until heated through.
To reheat from frozen: Thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions above.
When storing or reheating this dish, keep in mind that adding additional water or vegan margarine may be required to bring back the desired texture and flavor.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or keeping leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, this dish will maintain its flavor and texture for several days when stored correctly.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice with Peas turns out perfectly, I have compiled a few useful tips and recommendations for you.
1. Think ahead: Soak the rice before cooking it. This can help to remove excess starch and improve the texture of the rice. Simply rinse the rice with water, then soak it for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Use high-quality ingredients: Starting with good ingredients is important in any recipe, and this one is no exception. Choose brown basmati rice, organic peas, and authentic ground cardamom for the best possible outcome.
3. Measure everything precisely: Rice recipes are notoriously finicky, so it’s important to measure the ingredients carefully, especially the ratio of water to rice. Use a measuring cup for both the rice and the water to ensure accurate results.
4. Let it rest: After cooking, let the rice rest off heat for a few minutes before fluffing it up with a fork. This extra time allows the grains to absorb any remaining moisture and redistribute heat evenly throughout.
5. Add some zest: Don’t forget to add orange zest to the dish for an extra pop of flavor! Use a microplane or fine grater to get just the outer layer of the peel without any bitterness.
6. Play around with spice amounts: Feel free to adjust the amount of cardamom and turmeric depending on your taste preferences. Some people like a stronger spice flavor, while others prefer it more subtle.
7. Don’t overcook the peas: To keep your peas bright green and tender, add them into the pot towards the end of cooking time rather than at the beginning.
With these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to achieving perfectly fluffy Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice with Peas every time. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this orange-cardamom brown rice with peas is a must-try for any vegan or rice enthusiast. With its aromatic blend of spices and sweet citrus flavors, it is perfect for a wholesome and flavorful meal. This recipe provides easy to follow instructions and adaptable variations to suit your preferences. It is also versatile enough to be paired with other dishes, such as chickpea salad or beet greens for a complete vegan meal.
Moreover, this recipe is healthy and gluten-free, making it ideal for anyone looking for an alternative to traditional rice recipes. The use of whole-grain brown basmati rice ensures that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs while enjoying a delicious meal.
Finally, I urge you to try this recipe and experiment with the suggested variations because there are endless possibilities in the kitchen when it comes to vegan recipes. So why not create something delicious and healthy for yourself today? Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Orange-Cardamom Brown Rice With Peas (Vegan) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown basmati rice
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon earth balance vegan margarine (butter or margarine if you're not vegan)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons orange rind (recipe originally called for lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- If you're using dried orange or lemon rind like me, place 2 1/4 tsp dried rind and 6 3/4 teaspoons water in a bowl and let stand for 15 minutes to hydrate.
- Bring the water to a boil. Add the salt, rind, Earth Balance, turmeric, and cardamom and mix well before adding the rice.
- Make sure the rice is covered, then lower the heat to a simmer and loosely cover. Cook for 45-50 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the water and steam and is soft and fluffy.
- Mix the peas in with the cooked rice, cover and let sit for 5 minutes so they can absorb the steam.
- Stir and serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.