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Easy Fluffy Rice Pilaf Mix Recipe for Quick Homemade Side Dishes

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A quick and easy rice pilaf recipe that yields fluffy, fragrant rice with toasted almonds and aromatics, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190 g)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g) or olive oil for dairy-free
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (480 ml), low sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds (30 g), toasted (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the almonds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the long-grain rice, coating it with the butter and aromatics. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until light golden.
  5. Pour in 2 cups of broth. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir once and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Turn off heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to redistribute moisture.
  8. Remove lid and fluff rice gently with a fork. Fold in toasted almonds and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Toast the rice and almonds carefully to avoid burning. Do not lift the lid during simmering to keep rice fluffy. Use a tight-fitting lid or place a kitchen towel under the lid to trap steam better. Fluff rice with a fork instead of stirring vigorously. For vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: rice pilaf, easy rice recipe, fluffy rice, quick side dish, toasted almonds, homemade rice pilaf, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, vegan adaptable

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-fluffy-rice-pilaf-mix-recipe-for-quick-homemade-side-dishes/