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The Ultimate Fluffy Homemade Rice Pilaf (Quick & Healthy Copycat)

A white bowl filled with fluffy rice pilaf featuring toasted vermicelli and topped with fresh chopped parsley.
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Make restaurant-style, fluffy rice pilaf at home! This easy recipe uses toasted orzo and aromatic broth to create a savory side dish that beats any boxed mix. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (Basmati recommended)
  • 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (aromatic broth is key!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown. This toasting step is important for flavor.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Add the long-grain rice to the pan. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
  6. Pour in the broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period creates the fluffy texture.
  9. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For the best results and a truly restaurant-style side dish, use high-quality broth.
  • If you want a vegetarian rice pilaf, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • This recipe works well as a healthy alternative to boxed mixes like Rice-A-Roni.
  • To achieve the fluffiest rice pilaf, avoid stirring the rice once the lid is on during the simmering stage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/easy-fluffy-rice-pilaf-recipe-quick-side/