Classic Rice Pilaf
Elevate your side dishes with this Classic Rice Pilaf, a foolproof recipe that combines light, fluffy long-grain white rice with savory aromatics and a hint of seasoning. Featuring sautéed onions, garlic, and finely diced carrots, this dish is simmered to perfection in a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth, with a bay leaf enhancing its aromatic depth. A quick 10-minute prep time and a simple one-pot cooking method make this pilaf a versatile choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it alongside roasted meats, grilled seafood, or as a hearty vegetarian option — and don’t forget the optional parsley garnish for a bright finishing touch! Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly comforting, this rice pilaf will quickly become a family favorite. Keywords: classic rice pilaf, easy rice side dish, savory pilaf recipe, fluffy rice dish, flavorful one-pot recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup carrot, finely diced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and diced carrot to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan. Stir well to coat the rice with the butter and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir once to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fully absorb the flavors.
Discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
139 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.3 g | 8% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 16 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 685 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 2.7 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 25 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 118 mg | 3% | |
*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.
