The side dish you’ll want to serve again and again.
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If you’re looking for an easy yet exciting side dish for your next meal, look no further than Rice Pilaf with Orzo! Rice Pilaf is already a more flavorful way to serve rice, and adding orzo brings it to another level, along with the always-tasty additions of garlic and onions.
Though some may have first become acquainted with rice pilaf through seeing it in the non-perishable food section of the grocery store, it actually has a long, international history. Variations on the dish and its name exist all over the world, although its origins are debated to be in either India or Persia. An early version of the dish can be found in more than one Persian cookbook that dates back to the 13th century. That’s 800 years of tried-and-tested deliciousness!
No matter the cultural variant of Rice Pilaf, one thing can always be agreed upon: the rice grains should be separate, not mushy. Cooking the rice and orzo using butter and chicken stock, instead of just water, helps to get that perfect Pilaf texture. Try it and test it in your own kitchen, then find out for yourself that any main course is sure to be instantly elevated when served with this Rice Pilaf with Orzo!
Is Rice Pilaf with Orzo Healthy?
This recipe can be considered a healthier alternative to regular rice pilaf as the recipe calls for low-sodium chicken broth instead of regular chicken broth. You can make this recipe vegetarian by using low-sodium vegetable broth, and you can make it vegan by swapping the butter for olive oil. I recommend pairing this Rice Pilaf With Orzo side dish with vegetables and a source of protein to get more nutritious benefits out of your meal.
The Secret to Perfect Fluffy Rice Pilaf
If you’re struggling with sticky rice, make sure to follow this recipe’s instructions for perfectly fluffy Rice Pilaf With Orzo. Once the rice is tender, it’s super important to keep the cover on for a full 5 minutes, with the pot removed from the heat. Then, remove the cover and let it rest for another full 5 minutes. The exposure to air will make the rice dry up slightly, which helps to separate the grains from each other. Finally, be sure to fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Gather ingredients and begin by browning the orzo.
Simmer
Cook onions, and garlic, add rice and broth, then simmer.
Serve
Let stand, fluff, and enjoy your pilaf.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Once you’re ready to store any Rice Pilaf With Orzo leftovers, be sure that the rice has cooled completely before placing in an airtight container. If it isn’t completely cooled, the remaining warmth will cause condensation on the inside of the container, potentially leading to soggy rice and orzo. Keep it in the fridge for four to five days, and in the freezer for up to three months. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop.
Regular rice is cooked simply with water, whereas several other ingredients are added to rice pilaf to give it its tasty flavors. This recipe calls for cooking the rice with garlic, onions and chicken stock, but plenty of variations exist. The added orzo also adds a unique texture.
Yes, for sure! You can definitely add vegetables to your Rice Pilaf With Orzo, but I advise against adding them in the same pot as all the other ingredients. If you do, the vegetables may soak up the chicken broth and become soggy, while taking away the liquid that the rice and orzo needs to cook all the way through.
Instead, cook your vegetables separately, like in another pan on the stovetop or baked in the oven, then add them to your rice and orzo dish at the very end, right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Rice Pilaf With Orzo is extremely delicious, but it’s not necessarily a meal on its own. If you want to make this recipe and are looking for main dishes to serve it with, let me provide a bit of inspiration!
Some of my favorite main proteins to serve alongside Rice Pilaf With Orzo are these Sheet Pan Paleo Za’atar Chicken Thighs or Stuffed Pork Chops. Or, for a vegan and gluten-free option, try this Air Fryer Falafel.
For veggie pairings, give this Easy Sautéed Broccoli a try, or these Cumin Roasted Carrots!
Rice Pilaf with Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup white rice uncooked
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
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In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden brown color.
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Mix in the diced onion with the orzo and continue to cook until the onion is translucent and soft.
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant, to avoid burning.
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Stir in the uncooked white rice and pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. Cook until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
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Remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes to finish the cooking process with residual heat.
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Fluff the rice pilaf with a fork to separate the grains before serving, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
Nutrition
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