Americans consumed 5 million metric tons of rice in the 2020/2021 fiscal year. That just goes to tell you that rice is extremely popular! One of the reasons it is so popular is that there are so many ways you can prepare it. I’m a HUGE fan of rice and I use rice as a side dish all the time. One of my favorite ways to prepare it is to make rice pilaf. I spent the early years of my life, all the way into my 30s, eating boxed rice pilaf. Then one day, it dawned on me that I could make my own rice pilaf and it would be better than any boxed rice I could buy at a store. Not only can I get creative with my own variations, I’ll control exactly what is in the dish, and I know it’ll be better for me! Rice pilaf is prepared in different ways around the world, in just as many varieties as there are taste buds and chefs to dream up new flavors. Heavy, light, dry, creamy, spicy, mild—the possibilities are endless. I, personally, like a rice pilaf that is light, fluffy, and full of flavor. I use this recipe to make rice pilaf as a side to accompany many different meals. Sometimes I mix it up by adding mushrooms, pesto, tomatoes, etc. It is a very quick and easy dish to make, making it a perfect side dish when you don’t have much time to prepare dinner or when your focus is the main entrée. With just a few ingredients and about 25 minutes, you will have an amazing complement to any meal.
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion. Sauté the onion until it’s translucent. Next, stir in the pasta and cook it until it’s golden brown. Then, add the rice and some chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the dish for about 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and serve.
For the pasta component I use Orzo as the rice-like shape makes sure the rice and pasta blend together evenly, but you can substitute any small pasta that you prefer. You can also use many different types of rice for this dish, I prefer Jasmine rice as it has a hint of sweetness to it and is very light. You can even add in your favorite meat and veggies and make it an entrée. The possibilities are endless! So, next time you are wanting a delicious rice dish, give this one a try! Enjoy!
