How to Make Blue Pea Rice | Easy Butterfly Pea Flower Rice Recipe | Divyntea

March 25, 2026

Imagine serving rice that is a stunning, natural shade of blue — no artificial colours, no food dye, just pure flower power. Blue pea rice (also called butterfly pea flower rice) is one of the easiest and most visually striking dishes you can make at home. All you need is rice, water, and a handful of dried butterfly pea flowers — the same beautiful blooms used in Divyntea’s Blue Pea Flower Tea.

This vibrant dish has deep roots in Southeast Asian cuisine, where it is traditionally served as part of Malaysian nasi kerabu and Thai khao yum (rainbow rice salad). But you do not need to be in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur to enjoy it. With a few simple ingredients, you can bring this showstopping dish to your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything: the step-by-step recipe, the science behind the colour, the health benefits of butterfly pea flowers, creative serving ideas, and pro tips to get the deepest, most gorgeous blue every single time.

What Is Blue Pea Rice?

Blue pea rice is white rice cooked with water that has been infused with butterfly pea flowers (Clitoria ternatea). The flowers release a deep indigo-blue pigment into the water, which is then absorbed by the rice during cooking. The result is fluffy, aromatic rice with a beautiful blue hue that looks almost too pretty to eat.

The colour comes from anthocyanins — the same powerful antioxidant pigments found in blueberries, purple grapes, and acai berries. These pigments are pH-sensitive, which means if you add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to your blue pea rice, it will shift to a gorgeous shade of purple. This makes it an incredible ingredient for creative plating and Instagram-worthy meals.

The taste? Wonderfully neutral. Butterfly pea flowers have a very mild, earthy flavour with subtle floral notes, so they do not overpower the rice. This makes blue pea rice the perfect canvas for pairing with curries, stir-fries, grilled proteins, or salads.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredient	Quantity
Jasmine or Basmati Rice	2 cups (rinsed)
Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers (Divyntea Blue Pea Tea)	15–20 flowers (or 2 tablespoons)
Water	3 cups (for steeping + cooking)
Salt	A pinch
Lemongrass (optional)	1 stalk, lightly crushed
Lemon or Lime Juice (optional)	For colour-changing effect

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Blue Pea Rice

Step 1: Steep the Butterfly Pea Flowers

Bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add 15–20 dried butterfly pea flowers (you can use Divyntea’s Blue Pea Flower Tea for the best results). If you like, toss in a lightly crushed stalk of lemongrass for extra aroma. Cover with a lid and let the flowers steep for 15–20 minutes. The water will turn a deep, rich blue.

Step 2: Wash and Soak the Rice

While the flowers are steeping, rinse your rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear — this removes excess starch and ensures fluffy, separate grains. For the longest, most beautiful grains, soak the rinsed rice in warm water for 10–15 minutes, then drain completely.

Step 3: Strain the Blue Water

After steeping, strain out the flowers (and lemongrass, if used). You should have a vivid, deep blue liquid. If the colour seems light, steep a few more flowers for 5 extra minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Stovetop method: Pour the blue water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add the drained rice and a pinch of salt. Stir once, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover tightly and cook for 12–15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it steam, covered, for another 5–10 minutes.

Rice cooker method: Simply add the rinsed rice and blue water to your rice cooker. Add salt. Cook using the normal white rice setting. Let it rest for 5 minutes after the cycle completes.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Marvel at the gorgeous blue colour. Serve as a side dish with your favourite curry, stir-fry, or grilled protein. For a dramatic colour-changing effect, squeeze a little fresh lemon or lime juice over portions of the rice — watch as the blue transforms to a beautiful purple right before your eyes.

Health Benefits of Blue Pea Rice

Blue pea rice is not just a pretty dish. The butterfly pea flowers infuse the rice with real nutritional value, thanks to their high anthocyanin content. Here are the key benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that help fight free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and support overall cellular health. They belong to the same family of compounds found in blueberries and acai.

• Supports Brain Health and Memory: In Ayurvedic medicine, butterfly pea flowers (known as Aparajita or Shankhpushpi) have been used for centuries to enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and reduce mental fatigue.

• Naturally Caffeine-Free: Unlike green or black tea, butterfly pea flower is completely caffeine-free, making blue pea rice suitable for children, pregnant women, and anyone avoiding caffeine.

• Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair: The antioxidants and flavonoids in butterfly pea flowers support collagen production, which contributes to healthier skin and stronger hair.

• Stress and Anxiety Relief: Traditionally valued as an adaptogen, butterfly pea flower has been used to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.

• Zero Artificial Additives: When you use natural dried flowers like Divyntea’s Blue Pea Tea, your blue rice is completely free from synthetic food colouring or chemical additives.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Blue Pea Rice

• Use more flowers for deeper colour: If you want a rich, deep indigo, use 20–25 flowers per 2 cups of rice instead of 15. Let them steep longer (up to 30 minutes).

• Add aromatics: Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, pandan leaves, or a small piece of ginger can elevate the aroma beautifully without overpowering the dish.

• Choose the right rice: Jasmine rice works best for that authentic Southeast Asian feel. Basmati rice is another excellent choice for long, elegant grains. Avoid brown rice, as the colour will not show through the bran layer.

• Try coconut milk: Replace half the water with coconut milk for a rich, creamy version inspired by Malaysian nasi lemak.

• Make it ahead: Blue pea rice stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. It reheats perfectly and is ideal for meal prep.

• Create a rainbow: Squeeze lemon on half the rice for a dual-tone blue-and-purple presentation. Add turmeric rice for a third colour to create a stunning tri-colour rice platter.

Creative Ways to Serve Blue Pea Rice

Blue pea rice is incredibly versatile. Here are some of our favourite ways to serve it:

• With Thai or Indian Curry: The vibrant blue colour contrasts beautifully with golden, red, or green curries, making every plate look like a work of art.

• As a Rice Salad: Toss cooled blue rice with chopped fresh vegetables, herbs like mint and coriander, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy lime dressing.

• Blue Pea Fried Rice: Use day-old blue pea rice for a visually stunning fried rice with vegetables, tofu, or eggs.

• In Sushi Rolls: Swap regular sushi rice with blue pea rice for the most eye-catching sushi your guests have ever seen.

• In Grain Bowls: Layer blue rice in a poke bowl or Buddha bowl with avocado, edamame, pickled ginger, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

• For Festive Occasions: Serve tri-colour rice (blue, yellow with turmeric, and white) at weddings, birthday parties, and celebrations for a wow factor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Pea Rice

Does blue pea rice taste different from regular rice?

Not significantly. Butterfly pea flowers have a very mild, slightly earthy flavour that does not overpower the rice. The main appeal is the stunning natural colour and the added antioxidant benefits.

Is blue pea rice safe for children?

Absolutely. Blue pea rice uses only natural, food-grade dried flowers that are completely caffeine-free and safe for children. In fact, it is a wonderful way to make meals fun and exciting for picky eaters.

Can I use butterfly pea powder instead of dried flowers?

Yes. Use approximately half a teaspoon of butterfly pea powder per cup of rice for a light blue shade, or one teaspoon for a deeper colour. Simply add the powder directly to the cooking water.

Why did my rice turn purple instead of blue?

If your cooking water or rice comes into contact with anything acidic (lemon, lime, vinegar, tomatoes), the anthocyanins will react and shift the colour from blue to purple. To keep it blue, avoid acidic ingredients during cooking. Use the acid only at serving time for a deliberate colour-change effect.

Where can I buy dried butterfly pea flowers?

You can purchase premium, 100% natural dried butterfly pea flowers from Divyntea (www.divynteas.com/products/blue-tea). Divyntea’s Blue Pea Flower Tea is sourced from high-quality Clitoria ternatea flowers and can be used for making blue pea rice, colour-changing teas, cocktails, lemonades, and desserts.

Ready to Make Your Own Blue Pea Rice?

Blue pea rice is one of those rare recipes that is equal parts simple, healthy, and visually breathtaking. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or just want to make an ordinary weeknight dinner feel a little more special, this dish delivers on every front.

All you need to get started is a packet of Divyntea’s Blue Pea Flower Tea — the same flowers that brew into a stunning colour-changing herbal tea also work perfectly for cooking. Pick up a tin at www.divynteas.com and start creating dishes that look as good as they taste.