Savory Braised Pilaf Rice
This Savory Braised Pilaf Rice is a delightful dish that perfectly blends simplicity with rich flavors. Originating from my college days, this classic recipe has been a family favorite for years, captivating both young and old alike. The buttery, tender rice serves as a perfect accompaniment to kebabs, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal. It's a fantastic way to introduce children to the joys of flavorful grains, and its adaptability allows you to experiment with various ingredients, ensuring that you never tire of this comforting fare.
4
Servings
270
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
4 ounces (divided)
Chopped Onions
2 ounces (finely chopped)
Long Grain Rice
8 ounces (uncooked)
Chicken or Vegetable Stock
400 ml (heated)
Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to a temperature between 230-250°C (450-475°F).
2
In an ovenproof pan, melt 3 ounces of the butter over low heat. Add the chopped onions and cook gently for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant without browning.
3
Stir in the long grain rice, ensuring it is well coated with the butter and onions. Continue to cook gently for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to become slightly toasted, but not colored.
4
Pour in the hot chicken or vegetable stock. The amount of liquid should ideally be double that of the rice. Stir the mixture well to combine and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
5
Cover the pan with a lid or a piece of buttered greaseproof paper to keep the steam in. This is crucial for perfect rice.
6
Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
7
Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the remaining 1 ounce of butter for a silky finish.
8
For delightful variations, consider adding fried mushroom slices, toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley, peas, diced peppers, diced ham, or a sprinkling of grated cheese just before serving.
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended oven temperature for Savory Braised Pilaf Rice?
The oven should be preheated to a temperature between 230-250°C (450-475°F).
How much butter is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 4 ounces of butter, divided into 3 ounces for cooking and 1 ounce for finishing.
What type of rice should I use?
This recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked long grain rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either chicken or vegetable stock depending on your preference.
How long should the onions be cooked?
Cook the chopped onions gently for about 2-3 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
Should the onions be browned during the sautéing process?
No, the onions should be cooked without browning.
How long do I cook the rice in the pan before adding liquid?
The rice should be cooked gently with the butter and onions for 2-3 minutes until slightly toasted.
What is the correct ratio of liquid to rice?
Ideally, the amount of stock should be double the amount of rice.
How long does the rice need to bake in the oven?
The rice should bake for approximately 20 minutes until tender.
What is the best way to cover the pan during baking?
Cover the pan with a lid or a piece of buttered greaseproof paper to trap the steam.
How do I finish the rice after it is cooked?
Remove it from the oven, fluff it with a fork, and mix in the remaining 1 ounce of butter for a silky finish.
What are some recommended variations for this pilaf?
You can add fried mushrooms, toasted pine nuts, parsley, peas, diced peppers, diced ham, or grated cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is suitable for vegetarians if you choose to use vegetable stock.
How many calories are in a serving of this rice?
There are 270 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 16.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the Savory Braised Pilaf Rice?
The dish contains 3.5g of protein per serving.
What type of pan should be used?
An ovenproof pan is required as the dish starts on the stove and finishes in the oven.
Should the stock be cold or hot when added to the rice?
The chicken or vegetable stock should be hot when poured into the pan.
How much onion is needed?
You will need 2 ounces of finely chopped onions.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include rice, braised, pilaf, savory, easy recipe, comfort food, and side dish.
Can this rice be served with meat?
Yes, it serves as a perfect accompaniment to kebabs, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, the description notes it is a fantastic way to introduce children to flavorful grains.
How should the rice look after the stove-top sauté?
The rice should be slightly toasted but not colored.
What seasoning is suggested?
The recipe suggests seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The nutritional data for fiber is not specified in the recipe.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe originated from the author's college days.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients including butter, onions, rice, stock, salt, and pepper.