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Easy Fluffy Rice Pilaf with Orzo

Close-up of fluffy rice pilaf featuring white rice, toasted brown vermicelli, and chopped green parsley garnish.
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Make a flavorful and fluffy rice pilaf using orzo, chicken broth, and simple herbs. This recipe is quick and works well as a side dish for many meals.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the orzo and cook, stirring often, until it turns light brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the orzo from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the grains lightly.
  5. Return the toasted orzo to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps create a fluffier final texture.
  • For a different flavor, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
  • You can use dried herbs like thyme or oregano if fresh parsley is not available.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/easy-rice-pilaf/