Description
Hearty rice pilaf combines fragrant herbs and toasted grains for a delightful side dish from Mediterranean cuisine. Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate its simple preparation and rich, complex flavors that complement many main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ⅔ cups (635 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- ⅓ cup vermicelli or orzo
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher sea salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp paprika
- 1 pinch onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Liquid Preparation: Gently warm chicken broth with unsalted butter, salt, garlic powder, ground black pepper, paprika, and onion powder in a medium saucepan over low heat, allowing seasonings to infuse smoothly.
- Noodle Toasting: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Add vermicelli noodles and toast until golden brown, stirring continuously to prevent burning and develop a rich, nutty flavor.
- Rice Integration: Incorporate long-grain white rice into the skillet with toasted vermicelli, stirring and cooking until grains turn translucent and emit a delightful aromatic essence.
- Simmering Process: Pour seasoned chicken broth into the rice and vermicelli mixture. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and allow contents to simmer undisturbed, ensuring even cooking and optimal liquid absorption.
- Herbal Finishing: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the surface during the final cooking stage. Continue simmering until liquid is completely absorbed and rice achieves perfect tenderness.
- Serving Preparation: Remove from heat and let stand covered. Gently fluff the rice pilaf with a fork, separating grains and distributing herbs evenly. Serve warm as an enticing side dish that promises rich, complex flavors.
Notes
- Prevent Burning: Continuously stir vermicelli to achieve golden-brown color without scorching, which can create bitter flavors.
- Rice Transparency Check: Watch for rice grains turning translucent and bright white, indicating proper toasting and flavor development.
- Liquid Absorption Technique: Keep lid tightly sealed during simmering to trap steam and ensure even, consistent rice cooking.
- Resting Period Matters: Allow pilaf to rest after cooking to redistribute moisture and let grains settle, creating perfect fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 322
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 261 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg