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The Absolute Easiest Fluffy Rice Pilaf Recipe

Close-up of a white bowl filled with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice pilaf, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley.
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Make perfectly fluffy and flavorful rice pilaf using simple steps. This recipe uses broth and toasted rice for a savory side dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta and cook, stirring often, until it turns light golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the orzo from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the pan. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the grains to toast lightly.
  5. Return the toasted orzo to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and simmer for exactly 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting period.
  8. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent the final dish from becoming sticky.
  • Toasting the orzo and rice separately adds depth of flavor to the final pilaf.
  • Use low-sodium broth if you need to control the salt content.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/easy-fluffy-rice-pilaf-recipe/