Description
This homemade rice pilaf is a simple and flavorful side dish made with long-grain white rice, sautéed onions and garlic, and simmered in low-sodium chicken broth with herbs. It yields fluffy, tender rice with a delicate balance of savory and aromatic flavors, perfect to complement any main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat the butter and olive oil together in a medium saucepan over medium heat until melted and combined.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aroma without browning.
- Toast the rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan and stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and coated with the butter and oil mixture.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then stir in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and add the bay leaf to the mixture.
- Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Rest and fluff: Remove the pan from heat and keep it covered. Allow the rice to sit for 5 minutes to finish steaming and settle.
- Final touches: Remove and discard the bay leaf, then fluff the rice delicately with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for brightness and color before serving.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For extra texture and flavor, sauté a small handful of orzo pasta with the rice before adding the broth.
- Be careful not to lift the lid while the rice is simmering to ensure proper steam cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
