Pilaf Rice Recipe
Category: Side Dishes | Servings: 4
Pilaf rice is a delightful, aromatic side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, elevating any dinner with its comforting and flavorful taste. The rice absorbs the essence of cinnamon and cloves while being perfectly tender and fluffy, offering a rich and satisfying complement to your main course. This recipe uses simple ingredients like butter, broth, and aromatic spices to create a savory, subtly spiced rice dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 300g |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 |
| Broth (vegetable or chicken) | 800ml |
| Butter | 70g |
| Onion | 1 |
| Cloves | 5 |
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (for 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 275 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Instructions
Step 1: Wash the Rice
Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer. This will help remove excess starch, ensuring your rice cooks up fluffy and not sticky. Once the rice is thoroughly washed, set it aside to drain and dry.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Peel and finely chop the onion. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chopped onion to the melted butter and sauté it gently. Stir occasionally and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, allowing it to “sweat” without browning.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Once the onions are soft, add the cinnamon stick and cloves to the pan. These spices will infuse the rice with a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. Stir them into the onions and butter mixture for a minute, allowing their fragrances to release.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Next, add the washed rice to the saucepan. Stir to coat the rice with the butter and aromatic mixture, ensuring each grain is well-coated. Pour in the broth, ensuring the liquid fully covers the rice. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Step 5: Simmer and Steam
Once the mixture reaches a boil, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and let the rice cook undisturbed for about 15–20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
Step 6: Fluff the Rice
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the grains. Afterward, remove the cinnamon stick and cloves. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, ensuring the grains are separated and light.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer the pilaf rice to a serving platter, and serve hot alongside your favorite main dishes. The fragrant rice is the perfect accompaniment to roasted meats, stews, or even vegetarian meals. Its delicate flavor and texture make it a standout side dish on any table.
This Pilaf Rice recipe is a great way to add a touch of elegance and flavor to your meals. It combines simple ingredients with classic cooking techniques to create a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to enhance a weeknight meal, this pilaf rice is sure to impress.
Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors, and savor the tender rice that has absorbed the savory broth and spices. This pilaf rice is truly a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main courses, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
