Rice Pilaf Secret Ingredient

Elevate your side dish game with this irresistible Rice Pilaf featuring a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level—ground cinnamon! This aromatic recipe combines fluffy basmati rice, buttery sautéed onions, and a rich, savory broth, all subtly enhanced by a hint of warm spice. Toasting the rice before simmering intensifies its nutty flavor, while a sprinkle of crunchy pistachios adds texture and vibrant color. Finished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, this simple yet elegant dish is ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect as a standout side for roasted meats or a satisfying vegetarian option with vegetable stock, this Rice Pilaf with a twist will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium (finely diced) yellow onion
• 2 cloves (minced) garlic
• 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
• 0.5 teaspoon (to taste) salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.25 cup (shelled and roughly chopped) pistachios
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes the excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping during cooking. Set the rice aside to drain.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the rinsed and drained basmati rice to the skillet. Stir well to coat the rice in the butter and oil mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to enhance its nutty flavor.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) stock and add salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and the bay leaf. Stir gently to combine.

Step 7

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the pot covered. Let the rice rest for an additional 5 minutes to finish absorbing any remaining liquid.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 10

Sprinkle the roughly chopped pistachios over the rice and stir them in for a crunchy texture and a pop of green color.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving for an added burst of flavor and freshness.

Step 12

Serve warm as a perfect side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	882.4 grams (882.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	846

Total Fat 54.70g	70%
Saturated Fat 18.50g	93%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.60g
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 2918mg	127%
Total Carbohydrate 75.60g	27%
Dietary Fiber 7.10g	25%
Total Sugars 8.40g
Protein 18.80g	38%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 127mg	10%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 835mg	18%

*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: 56.6%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 34.8%