Golden Herb-Infused Rice Pilaf
Elevate your dinner table with this Golden Herb-Infused Rice Pilaf, an exquisite blend of aromatic flavors that combines tender rice, sautéed onions, and roasted garlic. Enhanced with your choice of rich cheeses, this savory dish is perfect as a side or a delightful vegetarian main. This recipe has evolved over time into a personal favorite, and it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests. Serve it alongside grilled meats or fresh vegetables for a hearty and wholesome addition to any meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
long grain white rice
1 cup (uncooked)
chicken stock or broth
2 cups (liquid)
salt
to taste (as needed)
grated cheese
1/2 cup (optional, any variety)
Instructions
1
In a 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
2
Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring the grains are well-coated with butter. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice is lightly toasted and becomes opaque.
3
Carefully pour in the chicken stock or broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat, and stir in your choice of grated cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt to taste. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Herb-Infused Rice Pilaf?
It is an exquisite blend of aromatic flavors combining tender rice, sautéed onions, and roasted garlic, often enhanced with rich cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
You will need 4 tablespoons of butter, melted.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, minced.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
What is the purpose of toasting the rice?
Toasting the rice ensures the grains are well-coated and adds a depth of flavor and texture to the pilaf.
How long do I toast the rice for?
Toast the rice for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes opaque.
What liquid is used to cook the rice?
You should use 2 cups of chicken stock or broth.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
Simmer for approximately 20 minutes on low heat, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
When do I add the cheese?
Stir in the cheese after removing the pan from the heat, once the rice is fully cooked.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
You can use 1/2 cup of any variety of grated cheese you prefer.
Do I need to keep the lid on while simmering?
Yes, cover the pan with a lid once it reaches a boil and reduce to low heat.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Season with salt to taste and fluff the rice with a fork.
What are some good side dishes for this pilaf?
It pairs well with grilled meats or fresh vegetables.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
It can be served as a savory side dish or a delightful vegetarian main.
How should the onion be prepared?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, chopped.
Can I use water instead of broth?
You can, but using chicken stock or broth provides the essential savory flavor for the pilaf.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A 3-quart saucepan is ideal for this recipe.
What does 'opaque' mean in the context of toasting rice?
The rice will lose its translucency and turn a solid white or light golden color.
How often should I stir the rice while simmering?
You should stir it occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Can I add herbs to this recipe?
Yes, though the name implies herbal infusion, adding fresh parsley or thyme would complement the flavors.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is simple enough for a weeknight meal and labeled as an 'easy recipe'.
Does this recipe contain any fiber information?
Nutritional data for fiber is not specified in this recipe.
Can I substitute olive oil for butter?
Yes, you can use olive oil, although butter provides a richer, more traditional pilaf flavor.
Is the cheese mandatory?
No, the grated cheese is listed as optional and can be omitted if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients.
What is the total time for sautéing and toasting before simmering?
Approximately 15 minutes (5 minutes for aromatics and 10 minutes for rice).
How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?
Ensure you toast the rice grains well in butter before adding liquid and avoid overcooking past the 20-minute mark.