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Easy, Fluffy, and Flavorful Homemade Rice Pilaf Recipe

A white bowl filled with fluffy rice pilaf recipe, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley.
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Learn how to make the best rice pilaf that is perfectly fluffy and packed with savory flavor using simple ingredients and quick steps. This versatile side dish is ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine)
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta (optional, for texture)
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or beef consommé for richer flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  4. Add the long-grain rice and optional orzo to the saucepan. Stir constantly and toast the grains for 3 to 5 minutes until they smell nutty and look slightly golden. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  5. Pour in the broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir once to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
  7. Cover the saucepan tightly and simmer without lifting the lid for 15 minutes.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not peek!
  9. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This pairs wonderfully with your weekly meal planning efforts, or as a side when you skip the best meal delivery services.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, always use vegetable broth.
  • To make this dish feel fancy, substitute the broth with beef consommé for a deeper, richer taste.
  • If you are looking for alternatives to home cooking, consider how this recipe compares to keto meal plan delivery options for quick sides.
  • You can add 1/2 cup of frozen peas or diced carrots along with the broth for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

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