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Easy Homemade Fluffy Rice Pilaf with Orzo

A molded serving of fluffy white rice pilaf garnished generously with chopped fresh parsley and crispy fried onions or garlic.
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This simple recipe delivers perfectly fluffy rice pilaf every time, using toasted orzo, onion, garlic, and rich chicken broth for deep flavor. It is a quick, foolproof side dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

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 (Basmati recommended)
  • 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 pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns light golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the rice to the saucepan. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the grains to toast slightly. 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 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove the pan 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. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the chicken broth with dry white wine and let it cook off before adding the rest of the broth.
  • If you prefer a different grain, this recipe works well with Basmati rice for the best fluffy texture.
  • This savory rice accompaniment pairs well with chicken, beef, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

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