Classic Rice Pilaf

Elevate your side dishes with this Classic Rice Pilaf, a foolproof recipe that combines light, fluffy long-grain white rice with savory aromatics and a hint of seasoning. Featuring sautéed onions, garlic, and finely diced carrots, this dish is simmered to perfection in a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth, with a bay leaf enhancing its aromatic depth. A quick 10-minute prep time and a simple one-pot cooking method make this pilaf a versatile choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it alongside roasted meats, grilled seafood, or as a hearty vegetarian option — and don’t forget the optional parsley garnish for a bright finishing touch! Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly comforting, this rice pilaf will quickly become a family favorite. Keywords: classic rice pilaf, easy rice side dish, savory pilaf recipe, fluffy rice dish, flavorful one-pot recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup carrot, finely diced
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and diced carrot to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan. Stir well to coat the rice with the butter and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir once to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 8

Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fully absorb the flavors.

Step 9

Discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 10

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(850.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	559.4

Total Fat 25.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 2948.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g	0%
Total Sugars 6.8g
Protein 10.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 113.0mg	0%
Iron 4.1mg	0%
Potassium 532.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.9%

Protein: 7.4%

Carbs: 51.7%