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Easy Fluffy Homemade Rice Pilaf with Toasted Orzo

A bowl of fluffy rice pilaf mixed with toasted vermicelli noodles and topped with fresh chopped parsley.
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Make a perfectly fluffy, savory rice pilaf tonight using this easy homemade recipe. This side dish uses toasted orzo and chicken broth for a flavor that beats boxed mixes.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted 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 1/2 cups low-sodium 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 to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the rinsed rice to the pan. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the grains lightly with the butter and aromatics. This step helps achieve fluffy rice.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  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. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which is key to preventing sticky or mushy results.
  • For an authentic Lebanese Rice Pilaf flavor, substitute half the chicken broth with vegetable broth and add a pinch of allspice with the salt and pepper.
  • If you want restaurant-style rice pilaf, use high-quality broth for the best savory side dish flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/easy-fluffy-homemade-rice-pilaf/