Rice Pilaf
The ultimate comfort food, Rice Pilaf is an easy weeknight dinner bursting with flavor. With perfectly toasted rice and a medley of vegetables, it's both satisfying and versatile. Perfect for any occasion, you’ll want to make this dish tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Frying Pan
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 carrots
- 1 small onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken stock see notes
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by preparing the vegetables. Finely dice the onion, celery, and shred the carrots. This mix will provide a fantastic base for your pilaf, so take your time to chop them uniformly for even cooking.
- In a deep skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. As it melts, let it bubble slightly before adding the rice. Toast the rice for about five minutes, stirring frequently. You want to see the grains turn a light golden color, and you’ll notice a nutty aroma filling the air.
- Once toasted, remove the rice from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl. This step helps to prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil. Heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.
- Next, add the diced celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté these vegetables until they’re softened, about five to six minutes. You want them to become translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Now, bring back the toasted rice into the skillet with the vegetables. Add the dried thyme and dried rosemary, and stir for about one minute. This allows the rice to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
- Pour in the chicken stock and give everything a good stir. Make sure to scrape any bits off the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. This is where the magic happens!
- Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about six to seven minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. The rice should absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in all those delicious bits of vegetables.
- Serve the Rice Pilaf warm and enjoy! It pairs perfectly with your favorite protein or can be enjoyed on its own.
Notes
- Tip 1: You can use any stock: vegetable, chicken, or turkey.
- Tip 2: The nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use.