A Stunning Superfood Meal Full of Colour & Comfort
If you’re looking for a meal that is beautiful, nourishing, and full of Southeast Asian flavours, this Blue Pea Butter Rice with Vegetarian Yellow Curry is the perfect choice. The deep sapphire-blue rice gets its natural colour from butterfly pea flowers, a powerful antioxidant-rich superfood used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Paired with a fragrant, coconut-based yellow curry, this dish delivers comfort, creaminess, and wellness in every bite.
What Is Blue Pea (Butterfly Pea Flower)?
Butterfly pea or blue pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a vibrant blue flower widely used in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. When steeped, it releases a natural pigment called anthocyanin, which not only creates a beautiful blue hue but also provides multiple health benefits.
It’s commonly used for
✔ teas
✔ rice
✔ desserts
✔ natural food colouring
✔ Ayurvedic calming remedies
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Health Benefits of Blue Pea
Adding butterfly pea to your food isn’t just for colour — it’s fantastic for health:
✔ Rich in Antioxidants
Helps fight inflammation and protects against cellular damage.
✔ Boosts Brain Function
Its natural compounds improve memory and cognitive performance.
✔ Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Blue pea tea is known for its calming and grounding effect.
✔ Supports Clear Skin & Hair
Antioxidants may improve collagen production and hair strength.
✔ Helps Stabilise Blood Sugar
Slows sugar absorption — beneficial for maintaining steady glucose levels.
✔ Caffeine-Free & Gut-Friendly
Gentle on digestion, easy for all ages
Finally, I would like to introduce you to a few more recipes like
Blue Pea Butter Rice with Creamy Vegetarian Yellow Curry
Course: MainCuisine: Thai, Japanese4
servings25
minutes40
minutes481
kcalA Stunning Superfood Meal Full of Colour & Comfort
Ingredients
- For Blue Pea Rice
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
1.5 cups water
12–15 dried butterfly pea flowers
1 tbsp butter (or vegan butter)
½ tsp salt
- For yellow curry
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water/veg stock
2 tbsp yellow curry paste
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp curry powder
1 tsp brown sugar/jaggery
Salt to taste
- Vegetables/Protein
Paneer or tofu cubes
Carrots
Potatoes
Broccoli
Bell peppers
Tomato
Directions
- For Blue-Pea Rice
- Warm water (do not boil). Add butterfly pea flowers and steep 5–7 minutes. Strain.
- Rinse rice and drain.
- Add rice, blue water, salt, and butter to a pot.
- Cook until fluffy.
- Press into a small bowl and invert to serve (optional but beautiful).
- For Yellow Curry
- Heat oil, sauté curry paste for 1–2 minutes.
- Add coconut milk; whisk until smooth.
- Add turmeric, curry powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add harder vegetables first (potato, carrot, broccoli).
- Cook 8–10 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and tomatoes.
- Add paneer/tofu gently. Adjust the thickness with water.
- Finish with lemon juice.
- Serving
- Place Blue Pea Rice in the centre of a plate.
- Pour Yellow Curry around it.
- Top with Fresh Papaya Salad for crunch (optional).
- restaurant-style plate that’s healthy, wholesome, and visually stunning!