Best Ever Rice Pilaf - Grandma's Tasty Recipes

Name: Best Ever Rice Pilaf - Grandma's Tasty Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cubed; 1 small shallot, finely minced; 1/3 cup vermicelli or orzo pasta; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken stock; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley

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Rice pilaf is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of grains. Originating from Middle Eastern cuisine, pilaf involves sautéing rice in oil or butter, followed by simmering it in broth until fluffy. The addition of spices and aromatics elevates it to a dish that can stand on its own. I’ve experimented with numerous versions of this recipe, and each time it never ceases to amaze me. The balance of flavors, coupled with a lovely texture, transforms simple rice into something extraordinary. Trust me; once you’ve tried this, you’ll never go back to bland, plain rice.

30 min

cook 20 min

American

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. As they melt, toss in the finely minced shallot. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This sets the base for rich flavors.

Step 2: Add the Pasta

Next, sprinkle in the vermicelli or orzo pasta. Stir it around for a minute, letting it get golden. The nutty aroma that wafts up? That’s a great sign! You want to build layers of flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate the Rice

Now, add the long-grain white rice to the pot. Stir it to coat all the grains with that butter and oil mixture. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help keep the rice grains separate once cooked.

Step 4: Season Up

Toss in the salt, garlic granules, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir until everything is well combined. The spices will infuse the rice with an amazing flavor profile.

Step 5: Add the Stock

Carefully add the low-sodium chicken stock. Bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 18 minutes. Keep it covered—no peeking! This helps trap the steam and allows the rice to become perfectly fluffy.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Once the timer goes off, remove the pot from heat without lifting the lid. Let it rest for 5 minutes. After that, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.

Nutrition

Calories: 260 kcal
Carbohydrate Content: 28 g
Protein Content: 4 g
Fat Content: 13 g
Fiber Content: 1 g
Sugar Content: 300 g
Serving Size: 1 serving