Step 1

Melt butter in olive oil in a nonstick skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add orzo, onions and celery; sauté 3 minutes stirring often.

Step 2

Add rice and cook an additional 3-5 minutes or until orzo is deeply golden and onions are softened. Add garlic and stir for one minute. Add chicken broth, bay leaf and all seasonings.

Step 3

Cover and increase temperature to high. As soon as rice is simmering, reduce to LOW and cook for 10 minutes. Stir, replace lid and cook an additional 5-8 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. If the liquid absorbs before the rice is al dente, add up to 1/4 cup additional liquid.

Step 4

Add peas to pot, and fluff to combine with a fork. Replace the lid, and let the rice sit for 10 more minutes.

Step 5

Remove lid, add almonds and fluff with a fork to distribute. Add salt to taste, as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.