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Classic & Fluffy Homemade Rice Pilaf Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with fluffy rice pilaf recipe, featuring toasted vermicelli and fresh chopped parsley.
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Make this easy rice pilaf recipe for a flavorful, aromatic side dish. Toasting the rice in butter with onions before simmering in broth creates perfectly fluffy grains that pair well with any main course.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (like Basmati or converted rice)
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta (optional, for texture)
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Do not let it brown.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rice and orzo (if using) to the saucepan. Stir constantly and toast the rice and pasta for 3 to 5 minutes until the edges of the rice look slightly translucent. This step is key for fluffiness.
  5. Pour in the broth, salt, and pepper. Stir once to combine.
  6. Bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this resting period.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, always use vegetable broth.
  • Toasting the rice in fat is essential for preventing sticking and achieving a fluffy texture.
  • If you are interested in structured eating, this versatile side dish fits well into general meal planning strategies.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/rice-pilaf-recipe-classic-and-fluffy/