Best 6 Greek Rice Pilaf Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Mediterranean with our delectable Greek Rice Pilaf. This traditional dish, also known as pilafi or pilaf, is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, capturing the essence of Greek cuisine. From the fluffy and aromatic rice to the vibrant mix of vegetables, herbs, and spices, each bite promises a taste of Greece. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, our collection of recipes will guide you through the steps of creating this classic dish. From stovetop to oven-baked variations, we've got you covered. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's delve into the culinary delights of Greek Rice Pilaf.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

GREEK RICE PILAF



Greek Rice Pilaf image

Make and share this Greek Rice Pilaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Olha7397

Categories     Short Grain Rice

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup white rice, preferably Arborio or 1 cup other short-grain rice
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 1/4 cups water, and
1 tablespoon tomato paste, heaping
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch ground nutmeg, preferably freshly grated (optional)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a medium size skillet over medium high heat. Add the rice and onion and sauté until both are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the water with 1 heaping tablespoon of tomato paste, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Simmer until the rice is just done, 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, and the nutmeg, if using. Sprinkle with the parsley, if desired. Fluff with a fork and serve.
  • NOTES: Not caring much for the flavor of plain water, a Greek cook who does not have stock on hand will usually flavor the water with tomato paste: about 1 tablespoon tomato paste to 1 cup water. This can be used for bulgur pilaf as well.
  • As with bulgur pilaf, the quantity can easily be doubled, tripled, or more: Use 1 1/4 times as much liquid as rice. Be sure to increase the amount of olive oil and onion as you increase the rice and liquid.
  • Adventures In Greek Cooking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239.9, Fat 7, SaturatedFat 1, Sodium 37, Carbohydrate 39.9, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 1.1, Protein 3.5

GREEK FESTIVAL LEMON RICE PILAF



Greek Festival Lemon Rice Pilaf image

Every September Salt Lake has an amazing Greek Festival. Back in 2001 I got a pamphlet of Greek recipes from the festival. This rice pilaf is very similar to the rice pilaf served at my favorite Greek restaurant. Opa!

Provided by darthlaurie

Categories     Rice

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4 lb butter
2 cups uncooked rice (Uncle Ben's long grain converted rice works well)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
5 cups hot chicken broth
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat butter in a heavy skillet. When it's hot, add the rice and, stirring constantly, saute on medium heat until transparent but not brown.
  • Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and salt.
  • Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let pilaf stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.

LINDA'S RICE AND/OR ORZO PILAF GREEK STYLE



Linda's Rice And/Or Orzo Pilaf Greek Style image

This pilaf is creamy and delicious and packed with flavor. Serve with any main meat dish, or your favorite Greek kabobs, and you'll be in for a treat!

Provided by Lindas Busy Kitchen

Categories     Rice

Time 1h25m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 1/2 lbs roasting chickens, cut in pieces
6 cups water
1 whole lemon, well washed
8 1/2 cups hot water
4 1/2 cups long-grain rice or 4 1/2 cups orzo pasta
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
3 -4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons dried mint
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
6 cups baby spinach leaves, torn into small pieces
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 roma tomatoes, diced
3 tablespoons fresh dill
15 kalamata olives, diced
1 -2 cup feta, depending on how much you like

Steps:

  • To Make Chicken Stock:.
  • In a large pot add the chicken, whole lemon, and 8 cups of water. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and cook for 1 hour, until the chicken is very tender.
  • Remove chicken from the pot, and set aside. (Chicken can be frozen to use at another time).
  • Skim fat off stock. When the stock cools sufficiently, strain into a bowl.
  • To Make Rice: (use 4.5 cups of the chicken stock).
  • Measure out 4 1/2 cups of the stock, and pour into a large pot. Add 8 cups of hot (tap) water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • When the rice/orzo starts to boil, add the rice/orzo, and stir frequently to keep from sticking.
  • When it comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
  • In The Meantime:.
  • In a small skillet, heat the 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter over high heat, until it sizzles.
  • Lift the cover to the rice, and quickly pour in the hot butter and close the cover quickly, as it will spatter.
  • When the sizzling stops (a few seconds), remove the cover, and stir briefly. Remove from heat.
  • Allow to sit 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • The pilaf is supposed to be smooth and creamy, and slightly mushy.
  • To Prepare Other Rice Ingredients to add to rice once it is cooked:.
  • In a large frying pan pour olive oil, then add onions, and saute over medium heat, until just softened.
  • Add the garlic, mint, and pepper. Saute for about 2 more minutes.
  • Add spinach, lemon juice, tomatoes, dill, and tomatoes. Cook for about 4 minutes.
  • Add to rice, and mix.
  • Just before serving add Feta cheese.
  • Note: Add more lemon, if needed at serving time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 724.1, Fat 32.7, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 114.2, Sodium 353.3, Carbohydrate 73.3, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 2.9, Protein 32

GREEK FESTIVAL LEMON RICE PILAF RECIPE



Greek Festival Lemon Rice Pilaf Recipe image

Provided by á-3931

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/2 c. butter
2 c. uncooked rice
1/2 c. lemon juice
5 c. hot chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Heat butter in a heavy skillet. 2. Add rice and, stirring constantly, saute on medium heat until transparent but not brown. 3. Add lemon juice,chicken broth and salt and pepper. 4. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. 5. Remove pan from heat and let rice stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.

PAPA'S GREEK RICE PILAF



Papa's Greek Rice Pilaf image

Make and share this Papa's Greek Rice Pilaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by sdouros

Categories     Rice

Time 30m

Yield 9 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

3 cups converted white rice (Uncle Ben's is the best)
3/4 cup butter
6 cups chicken broth
3 large lemons, juice of (add 1 more lemon if you like it extra lemony)

Steps:

  • Before you start have chicken broth cans opened and ready to pour.
  • Melt butter in large sauce pan.
  • Add rice and stir constantly until golden browned (Use Med-Hi Heat).
  • Quickly add chicken broth and lemon juice and cook uncovered until liquid is absorbed (about 25 minutes.).

KRITHARAKI ME RIZE (GREEK ORZO AND RICE PILAF)



Kritharaki Me Rize (Greek Orzo and Rice Pilaf) image

This pilaf is served with almost every meal, especially stewed dishes. Orzo is a pasta made in the shape of rice.

Provided by luvcookn

Categories     Greek

Time 35m

Yield 2-3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/2 cup orzo
3 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup rice, rinsed and drained
3 cups vegetable stock or 3 cups water
grated kefalotiri cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Saute orzo in butter in a medium saucepan, until lightly brown.
  • Add rice, stir to coat with the butter. Add stock.
  • Bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 25 minutes.
  • Serve on a platter with grated kefalotiri cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 542.7, Fat 18.3, SaturatedFat 11.2, Cholesterol 45.8, Sodium 155.2, Carbohydrate 83, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 1.1, Protein 10

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The best pilaf starts with the best ingredients. Use high-quality rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice, and fresh vegetables and herbs.
  • Rinse the rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking helps to remove starch and impurities, resulting in a fluffier pilaf.
  • Toast the rice: Toasting the rice in a little bit of oil or butter before adding the liquid helps to develop its flavor and aroma.
  • Use a flavorful broth: The liquid used to cook the pilaf is an important source of flavor. Use a flavorful broth, such as chicken broth or vegetable broth, or a combination of both.
  • Add vegetables and herbs: Vegetables and herbs add flavor and color to pilaf. Common additions include onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and parsley.
  • Let the pilaf rest: After cooking, let the pilaf rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Conclusion:

Greek rice pilaf is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover rice, and it can be easily customized to your liking. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, Greek rice pilaf is a perfect meal for any occasion.

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