Pilaf Rice

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PRESENTATION

Appealing, golden grains with a fluffy finish make homemade rice pilaf a go-to side for busy home cooks and family tables alike. Every bite packs a double punch of soft, tender rice and lightly toasted orzo—this combo just works GREAT for pretty much anyone at dinner. Savory notes from garlic and onion aromatics bring out that heartwarming flavor, while chicken broth rice delivers extra depth (always popular on chilly nights or with roasted chicken). The color stays light and nice, not too bold, fitting perfectly next to veggies, grilled meats, or a crisp salad—kids and adults dig in without a fuss. For any family gathering or regular weeknight, the moist texture and subtle aroma fill the house, making the meal instantly feel special, often before plates even reach the table. Having an easy rice recipe that looks good, tastes even better, and stays reliable every time? That’s what home cooks want—especially with a one-pot rice dish that keeps meal stress way down.

Families looking for an easy rice recipe that does more than just sit on the plate will appreciate how well this family-friendly side dish fits any situation. Great for potlucks, meal prep, or just a big Sunday meal, this sweet, mild rice blend suits most picky eaters (and usually has everyone scooping seconds). Pack up leftovers for school lunches for something delicious and simple, since the tender grains hold up well after reheating. The budget-friendly ingredients (yep, always a win) mean you get a pretty hearty dish without spending much—plus, that creaminess from the orzo? Seriously makes every scoop feel extra satisfying. Top with quick herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a bit of brightness, or just serve it plain for easy, comfy eating. No big fanfare needed...homemade rice pilaf brings everyone together with reliable crowd appeal and a SIMPLE, pleasing flavor that always fits right in.

INGREDIENTS
Basmati rice 1.6 cups (300 g)
Cinnamon sticks 1 - (piece)
Broth 3.3 cups (800 ml) - (light)
Butter 5 tbsp (70 g)
Onions 1 - (small)
Cloves 5
Preparation

How to prepare Pilaf Rice

To prepare pilaf rice, start by thoroughly washing the rice under running water using a strainer 1 to remove the starch, then let it drain and dry.
Finely chop the onion 2 and melt the butter in a saucepan 3.

Add the chopped onion to the melted butter and let it sweat on low heat 4 for about 15 minutes, until it becomes translucent: be careful not to let it color 5. Add the cinnamon and cloves 6 and stir for another two minutes.

Then add the rice 7 and toast it. Add all the broth, already salted 8. Cover the pan with a lid (it must be airtight) 9 and let it cook for at least 18-20 minutes over medium heat until the broth is completely absorbed.

Once cooked and well-dried 10, remove the pilaf rice from the heat, fluff it well with a fork 11, turn it out onto a serving dish, and serve at the table 12. Here is your fragrant pilaf rice ready!

Storage

You can also prepare pilaf rice in advance and then store it in the refrigerator; in this case, before serving, you should reheat it in a pan (preferably non-stick) greased with butter while stirring.

Tip

A couple of fundamental technical notes... The butter should be ghee (or clarified butter). The amount of cooking liquid is calculated as follows: pour the rice into a graduated container and measure it. The liquid you will need is twice the volume of the rice plus 1/5 of the same volume. For example: let's say the volume of the rice is 100: you should use 200 ml of liquid (100x2) + 20 (1/5 of 100). In total, 220 ml of liquid (broth or water). "Once done, how do I serve it?" you may be asking. Well, pilaf rice is perfect as a side dish for meat, fish, or vegetables. If you want to enrich it, you can add some raisins (after browning them in butter) or almonds (at the end of cooking). Furthermore, it is a great idea for vegetarians, who can dress it with mixed vegetables, or for example, peppers and potatoes.

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