If you’re looking for a beautiful, naturally coloured, and nutritious rice dish, then Butterfly Pea Flower Rice is the perfect recipe! This vibrant blue rice is a traditional dish in Southeast Asia, known for its delicate floral aroma, antioxidant-rich properties, and stunning blue-to-purple transformation when paired with citrus.
Perfect for festive occasions, everyday meals, or even as a fun way to get kids excited about eating healthy, this dish is as delightful as it is nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Butterfly Pea Flower Rice Recipe
✅ 100% Natural & No Artificial Colouring – Uses butterfly pea flowers for a stunning blue hue.
✅ Rich in Antioxidants – Helps fight free radicals and supports overall wellness.
✅ Mild, Fragrant, & Delicious – A light floral flavour pairs perfectly with many dishes.
✅ Kid-Friendly & Fun to Make – Watch the magical colour change when you add lemon juice!
✅ Perfect for Special Occasions – A show-stopping dish for parties, celebrations, and even daily meals.
Ingredients for Butterfly Pea Flower Rice
2 cups jasmine rice (or basmati rice for a fragrant touch)
🥄 2 ½ cups water (or coconut milk for extra richness)
🥄 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea flowers (or 1 teaspoon butterfly pea powder)
🥄 1/2 teaspoon salt
🥄 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for extra aroma)
🥄 1 kaffir lime leaf or pandan leaf (optional, for added fragrance)
🥄 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice (for colour transformation effect! 🌈)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
1️⃣ Boil 2 ½ cups of water, then add dried butterfly pea flowers.
2️⃣ Let it steep for 5-7 minutes until the water turns a deep indigo blue.
3️⃣ Strain the flowers, keeping the blue tea water for cooking the rice.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
4️⃣ Rinse 2 cups of rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
5️⃣ In a pot or rice cooker, add the rinsed rice and the butterfly pea tea water.
6️⃣ Add salt, coconut oil, and a kaffir lime leaf (optional for added fragrance).
7️⃣ Cook as you would normally cook rice – on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.
Step 3: The Magical Colour Change!
8️⃣ Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over it.
9️⃣ Watch as the blue rice transforms into a soft purple hue! 🌈
Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower Rice 🌿
💙 Rich in Antioxidants – Helps protect cells from damage and supports brain function.
💙 Supports Digestion – Naturally soothing for the stomach and promotes gut health.
💙 Aids Stress Relief – Known for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects.
💙 Boosts Skin & Hair Health – Packed with flavonoids that help promote healthy skin and hair.
💙 Naturally Caffeine-Free & Low-Calorie – A great addition to a balanced diet.
Best Occasions to Serve Butterfly Pea Flower Rice
🎉 Festive Gatherings – A unique and visually stunning dish for dinner parties.
🎂 Kids’ Themed Parties – A fun and magical food idea for unicorn, galaxy, or fantasy-themed parties!
🍛 Everyday Meals – Pair it with curries, grilled vegetables, or seafood for a delicious twist.
🌿 Wellness & Detox Meals – Light, nourishing, and full of antioxidants.
👩🍳 Cooking Experiments – A great way to get kids involved in the kitchen!
Fun Variations & Serving Ideas!
✨ Coconut Butterfly Pea Rice – Swap water for coconut milk for a creamier, richer texture.
✨ Spicy Blue Rice – Mix in chili flakes or serve with a spicy sambal for a heat kick!
✨ Tropical Island Rice – Add pineapple chunks, cashews, or mango for a sweet-Savory twist.
✨ Protein-Packed Meal – Serve with grilled salmon, tofu, or tempeh for a complete meal.
✨ Rainbow Effect – Create half blue, half purple rice by adding lemon juice to only one side!
Kid-Friendly & Fun to Make! 👧👦
Butterfly Pea Flower Rice is a wonderful way to make mealtime fun for kids. They will love the vibrant blue colour and the magical transformation to purple when lemon juice is added! It’s also a great way to introduce kids to natural foods without artificial colouring.
Final Thoughts
This Butterfly Pea Flower Rice is more than just a meal—it’s a magical, nutritious, and visually stunning dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for health benefits, family meals, or a fun kitchen experiment, this blue rice is sure to impress!
💙 Try it today and share your creation! Tag us with #ButterflyPeaRice for a feature! 💙