She Strengthens

Elevate Your Meals with a Simple yet Flavorful Rice Pilaf

When it comes to cooking, having a reliable rice pilaf recipe up your sleeve can make all the difference. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. By toasting aromatic ingredients like onion, garlic, and butter, then cooking the rice in a flavorful chicken broth, you’ll end up with a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

The Perfect Side Dish for Any Meal

This versatile recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, such as succulent shrimp scampi or crispy baked chicken breasts. Plus, with a yield of 4 to 6 servings, it’s perfect for family dinners or social gatherings.

Rice 101: Choosing the Right Type

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the different types of rice available. From long-grain white rice to aromatic jasmine rice, each variety has its unique characteristics and uses. For this recipe, we’ll be using long-grain white rice, but feel free to experiment with other types to find your favorite.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped
• 2 cups stock or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse and Prepare the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the Rice and Cook: Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels crackle (about 2 minutes).
4. Combine with Broth and Water: Add the stock or broth, water, and measured salt. Stir to combine, then increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer and Steam: Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer undisturbed until the rice is tender (about 15 minutes). Remove from the heat and let sit covered to steam for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Fluff and Season: Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and season with additional salt as needed.

With this simple yet flavorful rice pilaf recipe, you’ll be well on your way to elevating your meals and impressing your loved ones. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results!