Rice pilaf is one of those really comforting side dishes that hits the spot every single time. It’s sort of like an elevated version of white rice, with a really rich flavor. It’s simple enough to make from home and won’t distract from your main dish, but it’s definitely more impressive than plain old white rice. You just need a few pantry staples and less than 30 minutes to make it!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add orzo, stirring frequently. Add onion once orzo is a nice golden brown color.
- Add onion and garlic. Cook until onions are soft.
- Add rice, broth, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Once it is boiling, cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Cook until all the liquid is absorbed, which should be about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese. Fluff with a fork until everything is mixed well.
- Add dried cranberries for a little extra flavor!
- Enjoy this comfort dish along with meat or vegetables of your choosing.