Rice Pilav
A flavorful rice pilav featuring toasted orzo or spaghetti, fragrant garlic, and fresh parsley, perfect as a side dish for both casual and festive meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until it turns yellow.
- Add orzo or broken spaghetti and stir until coated with butter and smelling like popcorn.
- Cook until lightly browned, but not burnt.
- Add heated broth and salt, then quickly stir once.
- Cover with a lid, reduce heat to lowest, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nutty flavor, try using orzo instead of spaghetti, and consider adding some toasted pine nuts. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also enhance the dish. If you're short on time, pre-cooked broth or even water can substitute for homemade broth, but for richer flavor, try to use chicken or vegetable broth. Adjust salt according to the broth's saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Rice Pilav as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, adding a delightful carb component. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside a hearty salad or roasted vegetables. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to help restore moisture and prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. It can also be reheated on the stove over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Pilav contains roughly 629 calories, with 34g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (199% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), and potassium (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth amount to about 2.5 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Can I add vegetables to this pilav?
You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the pasta to ensure they cook evenly. Adjust the broth amount slightly if you add a lot of veggies.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when all the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender yet firm. You can check by fluffing the rice with a fork. If it’s still crunchy, cover and let it sit for a few more minutes; the residual heat will help finish cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).