Teresa's Rice Pilaf

Delight your taste buds with Teresa's Rice Pilaf, a fragrant and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion. This comforting recipe combines long-grain white rice with sautéed onions, minced garlic, and finely diced carrots, all gently simmered in a rich broth infused with the warm, aromatic touch of a cinnamon stick and a hint of bay leaf. Toasting the rice before adding the liquid gives it a delicate nuttiness, while the buttery olive oil blend ensures each grain is perfectly coated for a fluffy, tender texture. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this versatile pilaf pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or can stand alone as a vegetarian option when made with vegetable broth. Ready in just 40 minutes, Teresa's Rice Pilaf is an easy, elegant addition to your dinner repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 small carrot, finely diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for warmth)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter has melted and begins to foam.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the rice to the pan and stir well to coat the grains in the buttery mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly toast the rice.

Step 5

Mix in the diced carrot, then pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tightly fitting lid and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick (if used). Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 9

Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1191.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	637.3

Total Fat 16.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4971.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 106.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g	0%
Total Sugars 7.9g
Protein 14.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 143.8mg	0%
Iron 5.1mg	0%
Potassium 541.0mg	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: 23.6%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 67.1%