Description
Delightful rice pilaf brings Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables with golden, fragrant grains that dance with herbs and spices. Savory kernels promise a simple yet elegant side dish that elevates any meal and welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (like basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté finely diced onions until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet essence.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allow the fragrant notes to bloom for a brief moment.
- Add raw rice grains, carefully coating them with the buttery mixture. Stir continuously, allowing the grains to develop a delicate golden hue and nutty undertones.
- Pour in rich chicken broth, infusing the mixture with savory depth. Sprinkle in salt, freshly ground black pepper, and aromatic thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
- Bring the liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Cover the saucepan completely to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
- Allow the rice to simmer gently, absorbing the liquid and becoming tender. The grains will gradually expand and soften during this transformation.
- Once the liquid has been completely absorbed and the rice reaches perfect tenderness, remove the pan from heat source.
- Let the pilaf rest, covered, for several minutes to allow final moisture absorption and steam distribution.
- Delicately separate the grains using a fork, creating a light and fluffy texture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
- Serve immediately, presenting a fragrant and perfectly prepared rice pilaf that tantalizes the senses.
Notes
- Toasting rice in butter creates a nutty, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish, giving it depth beyond basic steamed rice.
- Use long-grain white rice for the best texture, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy after cooking.
- Customize the pilaf by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or add frozen peas and diced carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Leftover pilaf can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days and quickly reheated in the microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg