Dee's Rice Pilaf

Dee’s Rice Pilaf is a comforting blend of fragrant spices, nutrient-packed vegetables, and fluffy long-grain white rice, making it the ultimate side dish or a satisfying standalone meal. Sautéed onion, carrot, and celery create the savory base, while cumin, turmeric, and toasted slivered almonds infuse every bite with warm, earthy flavors and a delightful crunch. Simmered in rich chicken or vegetable broth, this one-pot recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley, Dee’s Rice Pilaf is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled vegetables, offering a vibrant pop of color and flavor to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 large celery stalk, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 0.25 cups slivered almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.

Step 3

Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and ground turmeric to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, to release the spices' aroma.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the rice and coat it with the butter and spices.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Discard the bay leaf and gently fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 10

Stir in the toasted slivered almonds and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if desired.

Step 11

Serve warm as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1475.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1058.7

Total Fat 55.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 65.8mg	0%
Sodium 5297.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 119.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.9g	0%
Total Sugars 13.6g
Protein 22.9g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 310.8mg	0%
Iron 7.9mg	0%
Potassium 1421.4mg	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: 46.7%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 44.7%