Easy Herb Pilaf Recipe
Pilaf is a delicious dish made with flavorful and fluffy rice. There are many variations of pilaf around the world, so there are many different ways to make this dish. Our easy herb pilaf recipe will be a simpler variation of this dish. This easy herb pilaf recipe pairs wonderfully with many stews, chicken, grilled meats, seafood, and roasted vegetables. Personally, I also enjoy eating it by itself!
Ingredients
Long Grain Rice Choose a long grain rice variety. Basmati or jasmine rice are great choices for this dish. While pilaf can made with different types of rice and even other grains, this recipe may not optimally work if the grain is switched.
Olive Oil We will use olive oil to toast the rice. Can also use ghee, avocado oil, or vegetable oil if you prefer. Would not use butter to replace the olive oil not working since the butter is likely to turn before the rice is properly toasted.
Shallot Add a deep savory, sweet, and oniony flavor to the dish. Can substitute with a 1/2 of a small yellow onion.
Celery Recommend using only the celery stalks/ribs if you prefer a milder flavor. If you do not mind the bitterness of celery leaves, feel free to add them.
Garlic Cloves Adds a deep flavor and aroma to the dish.
Salt You can adjust the salt level to your preferences. Would defiantly recommend starting on the lower side and adding more if desired. Much easier to add more salt than to take it out!
Herbs (Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme) These herbs will add a pleasant scent and enhance the flavor of the dish. Feel free to experiment with other Mediterranean herbs that you enjoy.
Broth Adding broth instead of water will enhance the flavor of the dish. Cooking the rice in the broth will ensure that the grains of rice absorb the broth’s flavor. You can use chicken broth, or you could use vegetable broth if you want to keep this dish vegetarian.
Chopped Parsley Some chopped parsley at the end will add some freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
Butter (Optional) Adding some butter at the end of the dish will make the dish creamer.
Easy Herb Rice Pilaf
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 Cups White Rice Long Grain
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 Ea Celery Stalks Small Diced
- 1 Ea Shallot (Or 1/2 Small yellow Onion) Small Dice
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1/2 Cup Thyme Dried
- 4 Cups Chicken Stock
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Parsley
- 2 Tbsp Butter (Optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil over medium high heat. Add Rice and saute until translucent about 3-4 mins. Stirring constantly to avoid the rice from sticking and burning.
- Add shallot and celery stir and cook till soften about 2-3 mins.
- Add garlic, salt, and dried herbs stir for 30 seconds.
- Add broth and bring to boil. Once boiling lower heat to low and simmer with lid on for 14 mins. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 mins.
- After resting add parsley and butter if using. Fluff rice with wooden spoon and combine the butter and parsley. Serve with roasted chicken or your favorite fish.
Tips and Tricks
- You can make pilaf from different type of rice and other grains; however those would potentially require different amounts of liquid and cook times. Ensure you are using the correct grain for your recipe or adjust your cooking to the grain.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs in this recipe.
- Fell free to use vegetable broth as your cooking liquid and olive oil to finish the rice pilaf, if you wish to keep this dish vegetarian or vegan.
- Ensure to fluff the rice after cooking and rest time are completed. This will ensure a nice fluffy texture for the rice pilaf.
Serving Suggestions
- This dish can be used as a side, it goes great with chicken and mild seafood such as shrimp and light fish.
- Rice Pilaf can be a meal on its own. Add additional olive oil or butter to add more substance.
