Savory Bacon and Shallot Orzo Rice Pilaf
Elevate your mealtime with this Savory Bacon and Shallot Orzo Rice Pilaf. This delightful dish combines the smoky flavor of crispy bacon with the mild sweetness of sautéed shallots, all perfectly paired with tender long-grain rice and nutty orzo pasta. Perfect as a side dish or a comforting main course, this recipe is simple to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests. Enjoy the harmony of textures and flavors in this gourmet yet easy-to-make pilaf, and don't forget to share with friends or savor it yourself!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
2 (thick-sliced, cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Orzo pasta
1/4 cup (uncooked)
Shallot
1/4 cup (chopped)
Long-grain rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
Low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup (liquid)
Water
1/2 cup (liquid)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, cook the thick-sliced bacon over medium-high heat until it is crispy and browned, turning frequently. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Set aside.
2
In the same saucepan, with the remaining bacon fat, add the orzo pasta. Cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes or until the orzo is lightly toasted.
3
Add the chopped shallots to the saucepan and continue to cook and stir for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the shallots are tender and fragrant, and the orzo is a golden brown.
4
Stir in the long-grain rice, making sure to coat it well with the fat from the bacon. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6
Remove from heat and let the pilaf stand for 5 minutes covered. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bacon and Shallot Orzo Rice Pilaf?
It is a flavorful side dish or main course that combines crispy bacon, sautéed shallots, toasted orzo pasta, and long-grain rice cooked in chicken broth.
What type of bacon is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for thick-sliced bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces, for the best texture and flavor.
How should the bacon be cooked?
Cook the bacon in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it is crispy and browned, turning frequently.
What should I do with the bacon fat after cooking?
Keep the bacon fat in the saucepan to toast the orzo and sauté the shallots, as it adds a deep smoky flavor to the dish.
What is orzo pasta?
Orzo is a small pasta shaped like large grains of rice, which adds a nutty texture when toasted.
How do I toast the orzo?
Cook and stir the uncooked orzo in the reserved bacon fat for 3 to 4 minutes until it is lightly toasted and golden brown.
Can I substitute shallots with something else?
While shallots provide a mild sweetness, you can substitute them with finely chopped yellow onion or leeks if needed.
How long do the shallots need to cook?
Sauté the chopped shallots for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
What kind of rice works best for this pilaf?
Long-grain white rice is recommended as it stays fluffy and separate after cooking.
Why do I need to stir the rice before adding liquid?
Stirring the rice in the bacon fat ensures each grain is coated, which helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky.
Can I use regular chicken broth instead of low sodium?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the additional salt added to the recipe to avoid over-salting.
What is the liquid ratio for this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup water for 1/2 cup rice and 1/4 cup orzo.
How long does the rice pilaf need to simmer?
Once it reaches a boil, cover and simmer on low heat for 15 to 18 minutes.
How do I know when the pilaf is finished cooking?
The dish is done when all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender to the bite.
Why is there a standing time after cooking?
Letting the pilaf stand covered for 5 minutes allows the moisture to redistribute, making the rice easier to fluff.
When should I add the bacon back to the dish?
The crispy bacon should be sprinkled on top of the fluffed rice just before serving to maintain its crunch.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon, use olive oil or butter for sautéing, and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, orzo is a wheat-based pasta. To make it gluten-free, omit the orzo or use a gluten-free pasta alternative.
What are some good pairings for this side dish?
This pilaf pairs excellently with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or sautéed vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredient amounts (1/2 cup rice and 1/4 cup orzo), it typically serves 2 to 3 people as a side dish.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double all ingredients; just ensure you use a larger saucepan and maintain the same simmering time.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat the pilaf?
Reheat in a microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, or in a skillet over low heat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time (usually 40-45 minutes), so adjustments are necessary.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
You can use all water, though you may need to add more salt or herbs to compensate for the lost flavor.
Should I rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing is optional; it removes excess starch for fluffier rice, but the toasting step also helps with texture.
Can I add vegetables to this pilaf?
Yes, peas, carrots, or sautéed mushrooms would make great additions to this dish.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon, but you should adjust to taste depending on the saltiness of your bacon and broth.
Can I use garlic in this recipe?
Absolutely, adding minced garlic along with the shallots would enhance the savory profile.
What texture should the orzo have?
The orzo should be tender but slightly firm, providing a pleasant contrast to the soft rice grains.