Go to Rice Pilaf
Elevate your side dish game with this comforting "Go-To Rice Pilaf," a versatile recipe that pairs perfectly with any main course. This quick and easy pilaf comes together in just 35 minutes, featuring fluffy long-grain white rice infused with the rich flavors of sautéed onions, carrots, and garlic. Toasted in a savory blend of butter and olive oil, the rice absorbs the aromatic broth seasoned with thyme and a hint of bay leaf for an irresistibly nutty and herby finish. Perfectly balanced with a touch of salt and pepper, this foolproof rice pilaf is as flavorful as it is simple to make. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant touch when serving at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or alongside roasted or grilled meats. With minimal prep time and wholesome ingredients, it’s the ultimate go-to recipe for a delicious and reliable side dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
Add the diced onion and carrot to the pan, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and slightly translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it fully in the butter and oil mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to smell nutty.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and then stir in the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the pan from heat, keeping it covered, and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork, discard the bay leaf, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
694 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.9 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.6 g | 83% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2062 mg | 90% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 75.9 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 10.7 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 106 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 510 mg | 11% | |
*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.
