Homemade Rice Pilaf
Homemade Rice Pilaf is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. With fluffy long-grain rice cooked in rich broth, aromatic herbs, and sautéed onions and garlic, this dish transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary feasts. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with meats and vegetables alike. Discover the joy of making this comforting pilaf that evokes warm memories and brings loved ones together around the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain rice (rinsed)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or parsley)
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in rinsed rice until coated with butter, toasting lightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the broth, raise heat to bring to a boil.
- Add herbs and season with salt and pepper; give it a final stir before covering.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: To customize your pilaf, feel free to add seasonal vegetables or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Experiment with spices such as cumin or saffron for added depth of flavor. For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.