Get ready to transform your ordinary rice side dish into a culinary masterpiece with Beth Coffelt's legendary Rice Pilaf recipe! This isn't just another boring rice recipe – it's a flavor-packed, restaurant-quality side dish that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. With a perfect balance of buttery richness, caramelized onions, and perfectly toasted rice, this pilaf is about to become your new go-to recipe that elevates any meal from simple to spectacular.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to foam and then add the chopped onion.
- Sauté the onion in the melted butter for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Once the onion is cooked, add the 1 cup of rice to the saucepan. Stir the rice into the onion and butter mixture, allowing it to toast slightly for about 2 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the rice.
- After toasting the rice, pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the rice mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, check the rice for doneness. If all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, remove the saucepan from heat. If there is still liquid, cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. This will give the pilaf a light and airy texture.
- Serve the rice pilaf warm as a side dish or as a base for your favorite protein. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Toast the Rice: The key to an amazing pilaf is toasting the rice in butter before adding liquid. This step builds incredible depth of flavor and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- Use Fresh Chicken Broth: For the most robust flavor, opt for high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought brand works wonderfully.
- Don't Peek Too Often: Once you cover the rice, resist the temptation to lift the lid frequently. This helps maintain consistent steam and ensures even cooking.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the pilaf sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly tender.
- Customize Your Pilaf: Feel free to add herbs like parsley or thyme, or mix in some toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
