Simple Rice Pilaf

Simple rice pilaf that’s made with rice, orzo, seasonings, and broth & it only takes 30 minutes to make. This is a terrific side dish for chicken, pork, fish, or steak.

My daughter and I love potatoes as a side dish starch, but my son loves white rice with soy sauce. I decided to switch up our normal rice recently and tried an easy rice pilaf recipe I found on Life Made Simple. This rice pilaf turned out perfectly prepared, fluffy, and delicious. I loved that this simple side dish tastes great and also lets the main dish shine, and tastes better than boxed versions.

Simple Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth **Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of onion powder, to taste
• Pinch of paprika, to taste
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup orzo **You can also use vermicelli
• ¾ cup long-grain rice, rinsed per package instructions **You can also use basmati or jasmine rice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Simple Rice Pilaf

Heat the broth, butter, and seasonings in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to a simmer. Side Note: You can also heat them in the microwave if you prefer. 

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the orzo. Cook, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Side Note: Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn. 

Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Add the hot broth mixture to the rice & orzo, then bring to a boil. Stir to combine, then cover and reduce the heat to low and cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and allow to sit undisturbed (don’t remove the lid!) for 5  minutes. Remove the lid and add the parsley, and fluff with a fork.

Pour into a serving bowl and serve immediately. Enjoy.