This delicious braised rice is a quick and simple side dish that pairs perfectly with various main courses. The recipe combines tender long-grain rice with sweet peas and fresh herbs, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment. Using common pantry staples, this dish offers flexibility and ease, making it a go-to option for any meal.
Ingredients Needed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, very finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup long grain rice (200g)
- 1 ⅓ cups frozen peas (200g)
- 1 ⅔ cups boiling water (400ml)
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed (e.g., Oxo or similar)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, generous amount
- 2 tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How To Make Braised Rice
- Heat oil and cook aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan, then add chopped onion and garlic; cook for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add rice and peas: Stir in the rice and coat it well with oil and onions, then add the frozen peas.
- Add liquid and seasoning: Pour in the boiling water and stir in crushed bouillon cubes; mix well and bring back to a boil.
- Simmer gently: Reduce heat to very low, cover tightly with a lid, and cook for 14 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Finish with herbs and butter: Once cooked, stir in the cubed butter, fresh basil, and parsley; season again with salt and lots of pepper.
- Rest and serve: Cover and let rest for 5 minutes before serving; fluff gently with a fork and enjoy hot.

Recipe Tips
- Use hot water: Adding boiling water helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature, ensuring the rice cooks evenly.
- Keep the lid on: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to trap steam and achieve fluffy, well-cooked rice.
- Sauté aromatics properly: Cooking the onion and garlic until softened enhances their flavors, adding depth to the dish.
- Season adequately: Taste and adjust the seasoning after cooking, as rice can absorb flavors, and additional salt or pepper may be needed.
- Rest before serving: Allowing the rice to rest covered for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld and the texture set.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Transfer leftover braised rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: After cooling, place the braised rice in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, move the container to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave leftover braised rice on high for 1–2 minutes with a splash of water, loosely covered, until hot and fluffy.
Nutrtion Fact:
Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 276
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Potassium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 51g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 4g
Try More Recipes:

Julia Child Braised Rice
Description
This delicious Julia Child rice is a quick and simple side dish that pairs perfectly with various main courses. The recipe combines tender long-grain rice with sweet peas and fresh herbs, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment. Using common pantry staples, this dish offers flexibility and ease, making it a go-to option for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil and cook aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan, then add chopped onion and garlic; cook for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add rice and peas: Stir in the rice and coat it well with oil and onions, then add the frozen peas.
- Add liquid and seasoning: Pour in the boiling water and stir in crushed bouillon cubes; mix well and bring back to a boil.
- Simmer gently: Reduce heat to very low, cover tightly with a lid, and cook for 14 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Finish with herbs and butter: Once cooked, stir in the cubed butter, fresh basil, and parsley; season again with salt and lots of pepper.
- Rest and serve: Cover and let rest for 5 minutes before serving; fluff gently with a fork and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Use hot water: Adding boiling water helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature, ensuring the rice cooks evenly.
- Keep the lid on: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to trap steam and achieve fluffy, well-cooked rice.
- Sauté aromatics properly: Cooking the onion and garlic until softened enhances their flavors, adding depth to the dish.
- Season adequately: Taste and adjust the seasoning after cooking, as rice can absorb flavors, and additional salt or pepper may be needed.
- Rest before serving: Allowing the rice to rest covered for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld and the texture set.