Parmesan Pepper Rice Pilaf
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Discover the delightful simplicity of this Parmesan Pepper Rice Pilaf, a recipe originally featured in our local newspaper. Over the years, it has become a go-to for those seeking a quick and tasty side dish. This pilaf, with its fragrant aroma and subtle heat from crushed red pepper flakes, pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. The addition of Parmesan cheese creates a rich, savory flavor, making it a family favorite. Feel free to customize this basic pilaf by incorporating fresh vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup converted rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Heat the Oil: In a medium saucepan, pour in the olive oil and set it over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, which will take about 1 to 2 minutes.
-
Add Red Pepper and Rice: Once the oil is hot, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir briefly to release their aroma, then add the converted rice. Stir continuously to coat each grain of rice with the oil and red pepper flakes.
-
Cook the Rice: Continue stirring the rice for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the grains begin to look slightly translucent. This step helps to lightly toast the rice, enhancing its flavor.
-
Incorporate Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring briefly to ensure that all the rice is submerged in the liquid. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
-
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
-
Fluff and Season: After the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This helps to separate the grains and prevent clumping.
-
Add Cheese and Pepper: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the fluffed rice. Add freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference.
-
Melt the Cheese: Cover the saucepan once more and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the Parmesan cheese to melt into the warm rice.
-
Serve: After the cheese has melted, give the rice one final fluff with a fork. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy this flavorful pilaf as a perfect complement to your meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 273.9
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.9g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
- Sodium: 518.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 38.4g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Protein: 10.4g
Keywords: Healthy, Under 30 Minutes
