A Simple Rice Pilaf
Elevate your meal with this simple yet flavorful rice pilaf, a perfect side dish that’s both versatile and easy to prepare. Crafted with fragrant long-grain white rice, sautéed onions, and garlic, this recipe achieves a delicate balance of taste and texture. The rice is toasted until golden for a nutty undertone, then simmered in savory chicken or vegetable broth with a hint of bay leaf for a rich, aromatic finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this customizable dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and pair it flawlessly with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or your favorite main dishes. Perfect for home cooks searching for a quick rice pilaf recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this dish will become an instant household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the uncooked rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it with the butter and oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes slightly golden and fragrant.
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
Add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is completely absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, discard the bay leaf, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the rice pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
635 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.7 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.6 g | 83% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2912 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.8 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 9.3 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 79 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 263 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
