Tamarind-Plum Rice with Green Peas
Fragrant rice cooked with tangy tamarind and sweet peas, finished with a hint of cumin. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs basmati rice, tamarind paste, green peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 cup, frozen green peas
- 1/2 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. Soak in 1/2 cup water for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and cook until they start popping, about 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 finely chopped onion and cook until golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add drained rice, 1.5 cups water, 1 cup frozen peas, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 5: Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Let rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind-Plum Rice with Green Peas take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tamarind-Plum Rice with Green Peas?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep basmati rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Plum Rice with Green Peas?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tamarind-Plum Rice with Green Peas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Tamarind-Plum Rice with Green Peas?
Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved the Tamarind-Plum Rice. It's a new favorite for weeknight dinners. So flavorful without being too spicy!
- ★★★★★
This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The tamarind plum combo was divine and the peas added a nice crunch.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the green peas in the rice, but the rice was a little too sticky. Still, 4 stars for the unique flavor.
