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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Side Dish / Rice Pilaf Recipe

    Rice Pilaf Recipe

    Published: Oct 31, 2020 by Anna 5 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Rice Pilaf is the easiest rice dish you can make! The rice is cooked in stock with sauteed vegetables and herbs. This flavorful dish is perfect for your holiday table.

    This dish is perfect even for beginners and packed with flavor, just like my Chicken and Rice Soup or Chicken Fried Rice.

    Rice pilaf in a white bowl.

    If you are familiar with the boxed rice pilaf, like Rice-O-Roni, then you will love this homemade version. You may be surprised how easy it is to make it from scratch. It's a simple side dish but add chicken or ham and you can turn it into a meal. Perfect if you have Thanksgiving leftovers!

    Ingredients:

    • rice: white, long-grain
    • butter
    • oil
    • vegetables: onion, celery and carrot
    • herbs: rosemary and thyme
    • stock: vegetable or chicken
    • salt and pepper
    Ingredients for rice pilaf on a board.

    How to make Rice Pilaf?

    • Start by preparing the vegetables. Finely dice onion, celery and shred the carrots.
    • Melt one tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet.
    • Add rice and toast it, stirring often, until you see the grains turn light brown.
    • Remove it into a bowl and set aside.
    • Add more butter to skillet. Add oil. Add vegetables and saute until softened.
    Toasted rice and sauted veggies in a skillet.
    • Add rice and herbs to vegetables. Stir in. Cook for 1 minute.
    • Add stock and stir in. Simmer until the rice is cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir often. Keep the pan covered between stirring.
    • Season with salt and pepper. Serve.
    Veggies and rice with stock in a skillet.

    How to prevent rice pilaf from being mushy?

    Every time I make rice, I always toast it in butter or oil first. This step ensures that my rice will be perfectly fluffy. I recommend toasting the rice first, then remove it into a bowl and sautee veggies in the same pan.

    What is the difference between rice and rice pilaf?

    In short, the cooking method is the difference. Rice is usually cooked in boiling water. Rice pilaf is simmered in stock, with vegetables and herbs.

    Variations:

    • protein: add chicken, turkey or ham and turn this simple dish into a whole meal;
    • vegan: use vegan butter and vegetable stock.
    • other veggies: add peas or corn
    • other herbs: basil, parsley or cilantro

    Can I freeze this dish?

    Absolutely! Once cooked, cool it completely. I use freezer bags to portion it out, flatten for easier storage and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the fridge and heat up in the microwave or in a skillet.

    Rice dish in a stainless steel pan.

    More easy side dish recipes:

    • Black Beans and Rice
    • Creamed Corn
    • Lyonnaise Potatoes
    • Creamed Spinach

    For more recipes like this one, feel free to browse our Side Dish category.

    If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment!

    Rice pilaf in a white bowl.

    Rice Pilaf Recipe

    Author: Anna
    This Rice Pilaf is the easiest rice dish you can make! The rice is cooked in stock with sauteed vegetables and herbs. This flavorful dish is perfect for your holiday table.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 323 kcal

    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
     

    • Prepare the vegetables. Finely dice onion, celery and shred the carrots.
    • Melt one tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet.
    • Add rice and toast it, stirring often, until you see the grains turn light brown.
    • Remove it into a bowl and set aside.
    • Add another tablespoon of butter to skillet, along with oil.
    • Add vegetables and saute until softened.
    • Add rice and herbs to vegetables. Stir in. Cook for 1 minute.
    • Add stock and stir in. Simmer until the rice is cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir often. Keep the pan covered between stirring.
    • Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

    Notes

    • You can use any stock: vegetable, chicken or turkey.
    • Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5384IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Leftover Stuffing Muffins
    • How to Freeze Rice
    • How to Cook Rice on the Stove
    • Easy Smashed Potatoes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Beth says

      November 02, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      This is so tasty! So excited I made this recipe! My family loved it!

      Reply
    2. Betsy says

      November 02, 2020 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      So easy! And delicious! Who knew making pilaf from scratch could be so good? Yum!!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 04, 2020 at 3:54 pm

        Right? It's delicious! Thank you, Betsy!

        Reply
    3. Jen says

      November 02, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      The flavor from your recipe blows the boxed version out of the water! Such an easy side dish to add to any dinner.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 04, 2020 at 3:55 pm

        Thank you so much, Jen!

        Reply

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    Crunchy Creamy Sweet Anna

    Hi, I'm Anna! Thank you for stopping by! Here you will find easy and delicious recipes for busy people. My recipes are made with everyday ingredients and all of them are family approved!

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