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Easy Homemade Rice Pilaf with Orzo

A mound of white rice pilaf, studded with toasted nuts and topped with fresh chopped parsley, served on a white plate.
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Make this simple, flavorful rice pilaf with toasted orzo and chicken broth. This recipe yields fluffy grains perfect as a quick side dish for any dinner.

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, rinsed
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo turns golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the rinsed rice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together for 1 minute to lightly toast the rice grains.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting period.
  9. Fluff the rice pilaf gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffier texture.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian option.
  • This savory rice side pairs well with chicken, beef, or pork main dishes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/easy-fluffy-rice-pilaf-with-orzo/