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Best Ever Fluffy Homemade Rice Pilaf Recipe with Toasted Orzo and Chicken Broth

Close-up of a fluffy rice pilaf recipe served in a white bowl, topped with fresh chopped parsley.
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This easy rice pilaf recipe yields fluffy, aromatic rice using toasted orzo and savory chicken broth. It is a quick side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine)
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the butter and olive oil 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 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the long-grain rice to the saucepan. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the rice grains lightly in the fat. This step helps keep the rice fluffy.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. 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 15 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. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the chicken broth with beef consommé.
  • Rinsing the long-grain rice before toasting is optional but can reduce starchiness for extra fluffiness.
  • This recipe works well as a base; add sautéed mushrooms or dried cranberries during the last 5 minutes of simmering for variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/rice-pilaf-recipe/