Rice Pilaf
Pilafs originated in the Middle East, where they are usually made with rice. The rice is toasted in butter or oil along with aromatic vegetables such as onion, then the mixture is cooked with stock (or water) in the oven. The grain is ready for the liquid to be added when it gives off a nutty, toasted aroma. The desired texture of a pilaf is fluffy, with no grains sticking to each other. Pilafs can contain a variety of other ingredients, such as dried fruit, nuts, and pasta such as orzo. Here is a basic recipe, followed by two variations.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Heat oven and stock Heat oven to 350°F. Bring stock to a simmer in a small saucepan.
Step 2
Meanwhile, sauté aromatics Melt butter in a 2-quart ovenproof saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, bay leaf, and salt and cook until onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes.
Step 3
Toast rice Add rice and stir well to coat each grain with butter mixture. Cook until rice is fragrant and starting to turn translucent, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.
Step 4
Add stock to rice mixture and bake Add stock and return to a simmer. Transfer to oven, cover, and bake 16 minutes. Remove from oven. Cover and let steam for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.
Brown Rice Pilaf with Currants
Step 5
Follow recipe above, substituting brown rice for white and increasing stock to 1 3/4 cups (instead of 1 1/2 cups). Bake 45 minutes, then stir in 1/4 cup dried currants before fluffing with a fork. Garnish with toasted sliced almonds and serve.
Basmati Rice Pilaf with Pomegrantes
Step 6
Follow main recipe above, substituting basmati rice for the white rice. Add a pinch of saffron to the stock and let stand 10 minutes before bringing to a simmer. Proceed with recipe. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve.
