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!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.

Step 9

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, discard the bay leaf, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Transfer the rice pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	739.8 grams (739.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	635

Total Fat 39.70g	51%
Saturated Fat 16.60g	83%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 2912mg	127%
Total Carbohydrate 61.80g	22%
Dietary Fiber 1.50g	5%
Total Sugars 1.30g
Protein 9.30g	19%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 79mg	6%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 263mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.7%

Protein: 5.8%

Carbs: 38.5%