Papa's Greek Rice Pilaf

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with Papa's Greek Rice Pilaf, a fragrant and satisfying dish that combines delicate flavors and vibrant textures. This easy-to-make recipe features fluffy long-grain white rice infused with savory chicken or vegetable broth, nutty golden orzo pasta, and a zesty pop of fresh lemon juice and zest. Sautéed onions and garlic deliver depth and aroma, while a sprinkle of parsley and a hint of dried oregano bring authentic Greek-inspired flair. Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables, or served solo for a light yet hearty meal, this pilaf comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Impress your family with its rich flavor and beautiful presentation!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup orzo pasta
• 1 small lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Zest the lemon and set the zest aside, then juice the lemon and reserve the juice.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the orzo pasta to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5

Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the oil and butter mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.

Step 8

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and stir in the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 9

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 10

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pilaf sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.

Step 11

Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.

Step 12

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(949.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	896.7

Total Fat 42.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 31mg	0%
Sodium 2915.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 114.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.6g	0%
Total Sugars 8.0g
Protein 17.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 122.6mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 486.7mg	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: 42.3%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 50.1%