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Easy, Fluffy Homemade Rice Pilaf (The Ultimate Healthy Alternative to Boxed Mixes)

A close-up of fluffy, golden rice pilaf topped with chopped fresh parsley in a white bowl.
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Make restaurant-quality rice pilaf at home. This easy recipe uses toasted orzo and aromatic broth to create perfectly fluffy, savory rice that is a healthier alternative to boxed mixes. It is a quick side dish perfect for chicken or pork dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine), rinsed
  • 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta to the pan. Toast the orzo, stirring frequently, until it turns light golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the rinsed rice to the pan. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  6. Pour in the chicken 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 without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this resting period.
  9. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent sticky or mushy results.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the broth with white wine and let it cook off before adding the rest of the liquid.
  • This recipe works well as a vegetarian rice pilaf if you use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/easy-fluffy-homemade-rice-pilaf/