Description
You will make perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice pilaf every time using this simple recipe featuring toasted orzo and aromatic herbs. This easy side dish is ready quickly and pairs well with chicken, beef, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (Basmati works well)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the orzo to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns light golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch it closely so it does not burn.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the grains lightly. This step helps create fluffy rice.
- Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this resting time.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving your flavorful rice dish.
Notes
- For an aromatic rice recipe, use high-quality broth; this makes a big difference in the final flavor.
- If you want a variation, toast slivered almonds with the orzo for added crunch.
- This simple skillet rice recipe works best with long-grain white rice or Basmati rice.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 5