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Homemade Rice Pilaf

  • Author: slsrecipes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A fragrant, tender rice pilaf cooked with sautéed aromatics and broth, perfect as a side dish or base for your favorite proteins.


Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup long‑grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
  • 1⁄4 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
  • 2 cups low‑sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • ½ tsp lemon zest (optional)


Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with oil.
  2. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add rice and salt; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until rice is lightly toasted.
  5. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
  6. Simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  8. Fluff rice with fork; stir in parsley and lemon zest if using.
  9. Adjust salt to taste and serve warm.

Notes

  • Rinse rice until water runs clear to remove surface starch for fluffier grains.
  • For extra flavor, swap half the broth with white wine.
  • Add toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts for texture.
  • Make it gluten‑free by ensuring broth is certified GF.
  • Leftovers store well in fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth.