Green peas are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy choice for anyone looking to improve their diet. One popular way to enjoy green peas is by cooking them with rice. This simple recipe is easy to make and yields a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. In this article, we will discuss the steps to cook green peas with rice and highlight the benefits of including this nutritious vegetable in your diet.
Ingredients
For Cooking Rice:
– 1 cup of long-grain rice
– 2 cups of water
– Salt to taste
For Cooking Green Peas:
– 1 cup of fresh or frozen green peas
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
– ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
– ½ teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to taste)
– Salt to taste
– Chopped cilantro for garnishing
Instructions
Cooking Rice:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch from the rice.
2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed rice and salt to the boiling water.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
5. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork. Set it aside.
Cooking Green Peas:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Sauté for a minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. Add the green peas to the skillet and mix well with the spices.
5. Season with salt to taste and cover the skillet with a lid.
6. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the skillet.
7. Once the green peas are cooked, add the cooked rice to the skillet.
8. Gently mix the rice and peas together until they are well combined and the rice is evenly coated with the spices.
9. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Benefits of Green Peas
Green peas are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. They are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber and essential minerals like iron and potassium. Including green peas in your diet can offer several health benefits.
1. Improves Digestion
Green peas are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and prevents constipation. The fiber content helps to maintain a healthy gut and promotes regular bowel movements, keeping your digestive system functioning smoothly.
2. Boosts Immunity
Green peas are packed with vitamin C, an important nutrient that strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C helps to fight off infections and protects the body against harmful pathogens. Including green peas in your diet can help boost your immune response, keeping you healthy and preventing illnesses.
3. Supports Heart Health
Green peas contain various heart-healthy nutrients such as potassium and folate. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while folate helps to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood, which can lower the risk of heart disease. Consuming green peas regularly can contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system.
4. Provides Antioxidants
Green peas are a good source of antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A. These antioxidants help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, protecting cells from oxidative stress and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
5. Aids in Weight Management
Green peas are low in calories and fat, making them a great addition to a weight loss or weight management plan. The high fiber content in green peas helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer, reducing overall calorie intake and promoting weight loss.
Conclusion
Cooking green peas with rice is a simple yet satisfying recipe that combines the nutritional benefits of both ingredients. The recipe outlined in this article provides a flavorful and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. By including green peas in your diet, you can reap the numerous health benefits they offer, such as improved digestion, boosted immunity, and support for heart health. So, why not try this delicious and nutritious recipe today and enjoy the goodness of green peas with rice!