Citrusy Spring Rice with Peas and Toasted Walnuts
Indulge in the bright flavors of our Citrusy Spring Rice with Peas and Toasted Walnuts. This delightful side dish is a celebration of spring, featuring tender rice tossed with sweet green peas and a zesty lemon kick that brightens up any meal. Ideal as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled fish, roasted meats, or even as a standalone vegetarian dish, this recipe can easily be customized with your choice of nuts—whether you prefer the richness of walnuts, the sweetness of pecans, the pop of pine nuts, or the crunch of sunflower seeds. Make it your own and enjoy the vibrant taste of fresh parsley while savoring leftovers that taste just as amazing the next day!
N/A
Servings
70
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 (tablespoons)
extra virgin olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
green onions
6 (thinly sliced)
cooked rice
3 (cups)
cooked peas
1 (cup (frozen or shelled fresh))
lemons
2 (juice and zest)
fresh parsley
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
walnuts
2 (tablespoons, toasted and chopped fine (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once melted, add all but 2 tablespoons of the sliced green onions and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2
Stir in the cooked rice, ensuring it is evenly coated with the butter and oil. Continue to sauté the rice for approximately 4 minutes, or until it is heated through and begins to lightly crisp.
3
Add the cooked peas, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4
Remove from heat and garnish the dish with the reserved green onions and optional toasted walnuts for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
11g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrusy Spring Rice with Peas and Toasted Walnuts?
It is a bright and flavorful side dish featuring tender rice, sweet green peas, zesty lemon, and crunchy toasted walnuts.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either frozen peas or shelled fresh peas.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 70 calories per serving.
What kind of nuts can I substitute for walnuts?
You can use pecans, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds as alternatives to walnuts.
How much rice is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of already cooked rice.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish contains 3g of fat per serving.
How many lemons do I need?
You will need the juice and zest of 2 lemons.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How long does it take to sauté the rice?
The rice should be sautéed for approximately 4 minutes until it is heated through and begins to lightly crisp.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the butter with more olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 1.6g of protein.
What is the purpose of the lemon zest?
The lemon zest provides a concentrated citrus flavor that brightens the overall dish.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended for melting the butter and oil and sautéing the rice.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, cooked brown rice can be used as a healthy substitute.
How much parsley should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Are the walnuts required?
No, the toasted and chopped walnuts are optional.
What should I do with the green onions?
Sauté most of the sliced onions and reserve 2 tablespoons to use as a garnish at the end.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are some recommended pairings for this side dish?
It pairs well with grilled fish, roasted meats, or can be eaten as a standalone vegetarian dish.
Does this recipe store well?
Yes, the leftovers are described as tasting just as amazing the next day.
How do I prepare the walnuts?
The walnuts should be toasted and chopped fine before being added as a garnish.
What is the heat setting for cooking?
The recipe uses medium-high heat for sautéing the ingredients.
Can I add other herbs?
While the recipe calls for parsley, you could experiment with other fresh spring herbs like dill or mint.
Is there any added sugar?
No, the nutrition facts show that there is no sugar added to this recipe.
How long do I cook the peas in the skillet?
The cooked peas should be stirred in and sautéed for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
What provides the healthy fats in this recipe?
The extra virgin olive oil and walnuts provide healthy fats.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, lime juice and zest can be used for a different citrus profile.
What texture should the rice have?
The rice should be tender but lightly crisped from being sautéed in butter and oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including salt and pepper.