Best 6 Creamy Rice Pilaf Recipes

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Feast your taste buds on a culinary journey with our creamy rice pilaf, a delectable dish that combines the comforting warmth of rice with a velvety smooth sauce. This versatile recipe offers three enticing variations to suit your preferences. Indulge in the classic Creamy Rice Pilaf, where tender rice mingles with a creamy mushroom sauce, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. For a burst of freshness, try the vibrant Lemon and Herb Rice Pilaf, where bright lemon zest and aromatic herbs elevate the dish to new heights. And for those who crave a touch of indulgence, the decadent Creamy Parmesan Rice Pilaf awaits, where grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty richness that will leave you craving more. Each variation promises a unique culinary experience, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of taste.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

RICE PILAF



Rice Pilaf image

No more boring rice! This simple and easy Rice Pilaf recipe is a flavorful side dish that pairs nicely with just about any entrée!

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Side Dish

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon salted butter
½ cup finely diced onion
½ cup finely diced celery
¼ cup finely diced carrot
2 cups chicken broth (or sub with vegetable broth)
1 bay leaf
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a large skillet (that has a lid) or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring regularly, until the rice is browned - about 2-3 minutes. Add the onion, celery and carrot; cook, stirring regularly, until the vegetables start to soften - about 4 minutes.
  • Add salt and pepper, to taste. If you're using salted chicken broth, you probably won't need too much extra salt. If you're using low-sodium or homemade unsalted broth, you may need up to ½ - ¾ teaspoon of salt.
  • Add the broth to the skillet with the rice and vegetables. Add the bay leaf; bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes. Once the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, turn off the heat, discard the bay leaf, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the fresh parsley and toasted almonds.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /4 of the recipe, Calories 312 kcal, Carbohydrate 45 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 8 mg, Sodium 81 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 2 g

RICE PILAF



Rice Pilaf image

This easy homemade Rice Pilaf is so flavorful and versatile it can be served with almost anything. You'll never reach for a box mix again!

Provided by Lauren Allen

Categories     Main Course

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 cloves garlic (, minced)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth (, or vegetable broth)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Add rice to a fine mesh strainer or colander and rinse really well, until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring often, until lightly golden. Add onion, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook until onion has softened.
  • Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover pot with a tight fitting lid and reduce heat to a simmer. (Do not ever remove the lid from the pot during cooking!) Cook for 15-18 minutes. Remove pot from heat and allow to rest, with the lid still on, for 10 minutes.,
  • Remove lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Gently stir in chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260 kcal, Carbohydrate 47 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 12 mg, Sodium 987 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CHEESY RICE PILAF



Cheesy Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     side-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 small garlic clove, grated
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, preferably basmati
3 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere (about 6 ounces)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a full boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 18 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, melt the remaining tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until incorporated. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Gruyere; keep warm, covered.
  • When the rice is cooked, stir in the cheese sauce, parsley, chives and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper.

RICE PILAF



Rice Pilaf image

Make the side dish extra special with this rice dish. It is better then any store bought package mix.-Barianne Wilson, Falfurrias, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 4

2-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes or fresh minced parsley
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup uncooked long grain rice

Steps:

  • Combine broth, parsley and butter in a saucepan; bring to boil. Stir in rice; cover. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 642mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

CREAMY RICE PILAF



Creamy Rice Pilaf image

When I first went gluten free I really missed those easy creamy rice in a package side dishes. Not anymore! This recipe is better! You can really play with this recipe to suit your personal taste. Try using beef stock instead of chicken and adding mushrooms.

Provided by zepharum

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried chives
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice
3 cups gluten-free chicken stock
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Combine the sour cream with garlic and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  • Place the oil in a deep-sided sauté pan over medium heat. Add onions, and cook until translucent.
  • Add the rice and stir well to coat it with the hot oil and onions.
  • Add a very small amount of the chicken broth. The amount you add should sizzle and evaporate immediately. Stir constantly and continue adding liquid very gradually. Do not add more liquid until almost all the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Cook the rice until all the of the liquid has been added then turn off the heat. Add the parmesan cheese and continue to stir constantly until the cheese is melted.
  • Add sour cream mixture to rice. Stir until well combined. Serve immediately.

PARMESAN RICE PILAF



Parmesan Rice Pilaf image

MY Mom found this recipe in a local newspaper years ago and it has been one of our favorite side dishes for a long time. The original recipe was a little bland, so I have doctored it up a little. Sometimes I make more than I need for one meal so I can have leftovers.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons butter
1 cup uncooked instant rice
1 cup water
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh marjoram sprig and shaved Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in the rice, water, bouillon, garlic powder and pepper; bring to a boil. , Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with a sprig of marjoram and shaved Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 285 calories, Fat 9g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 29mg cholesterol, Sodium 185mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality rice: Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works best for pilaf. These rices have a fluffy texture and won't clump together when cooked.
  • Rinse the rice before cooking: This will remove the starch from the rice, which helps to prevent it from sticking together.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot: This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
  • Toast the rice before cooking: This will give the rice a nutty flavor and help it to absorb the liquid more evenly.
  • Use a flavorful liquid: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water can be used to cook the rice. If you're using water, add a little bit of salt to the water before cooking.
  • Don't stir the rice while it's cooking: Stirring the rice will break up the grains and make the pilaf mushy.
  • Let the rice rest before serving: After the rice is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the rice to absorb all of the liquid and fluff up.

Conclusion:

Creamy rice pilaf is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With these tips, you can make the perfect creamy rice pilaf every time.

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