Best 3 Orange Rice Pilaf Recipes

# Orange Rice Pilaf: A Delightful Fusion of Citrus and Savory Flavors

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of orange rice pilaf, a delectable dish that combines the zesty sweetness of oranges with the aromatic warmth of savory spices. This flavorful rice dish is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, featuring tender, fluffy rice, bursts of juicy orange segments, the nutty crunch of almonds, and the aromatic fragrance of saffron. The addition of aromatic herbs like mint and cilantro adds a refreshing touch, while the subtle hint of cinnamon and cardamom provides a touch of warmth and depth. This versatile dish can be served as a main course or as a flavorful side dish to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or fish. With its vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas, orange rice pilaf is sure to be a hit at any gathering. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken stock and use vegetable broth instead. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free chicken stock and make sure the almonds are also gluten-free.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

ORANGE RICE PILAF

Orange Rice Pilaf image

This is a delicious and different way to prepare rice. I usually make this recipe whenever I have guests. It makes a fabulous side dish served with just about any entree.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4-6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup diced celery
3 tablespoons chopped onion
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons orange juice
1-1/3 cups water
1-1/2 cups uncooked instant rice

Steps:

In a 3-qt. saucepan, saute celery, onion and orange zest in butter until tender but not brown. Add salt. Combine orange juice and water; add to celery mixture. Bring to a boil. Stir in the rice. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Facts :

ORANGE AND CRANBERRY RICE PILAF

Orange and Cranberry Rice Pilaf image

This is an extremely flavorful rice pilaf and if you love the taste of curry & marmalade you will most definitely enjoy this. However, if you are not used to working with curry I suggest a small amount be added and then taste as to whether you want more curry or not. This is a unique rice pilaf and I was trying a few different...

Provided by Kimberly Biegacki

Categories Rice Sides

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

3/4 c chopped celery
1/2 c onion
3 Tbsp butter
1 c uncooked long grain rice
2 1/2 c chicken broth
1 c chopped fresh mushrooms (white)
1/3 c slivered almonds, toasted (i only had sliced but wanted slivered)
2 Tbsp orange marmalade
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/4 - 1/2 tsp curry---if you are not used to cooking with curry put 1/4 teaspoon
1/3 c sweetened dried cranberries
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 Tbsp orange zest

Steps:

1. In a large saucepan saute celery and onion in butter till tender. Remove from pan and set aside. Now saute your mushrooms till tender and set aside. I love the color of the sauteed veggies.
2. Now brown your rice in a pan for about 5 minutes and then cook as directed on box (15 minutes usually) but with your chicken broth and spices. When rice is finished add your sauteed veggies, cranberries and your marmalade.
3. Stir in your parsley last and then plate it. Add your orange zest for garnish. I set the nuts in a bowl on the table for those who can have them and want them. Mainly cause my husband can't have them.
4. Now this is not how I made this tonight. I added all the sauteed veggies and cranberries in the rice while cooking. Well, I really am disappointed with how my dish looks....yes, I am. I am posting though I am disgusted. I prefer the brightness and crunch of slightly sauteed celery and I love the mushrooms freshness too. So, it only makes sense to me to add them last; however, if you don't care about crunch and brightness just add them into your rice while cooking. Oh, and I also tried adding 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice in place of the chicken broth. That must of changed the color of the rice....no didn't like that either. LOL

ORANGE-CINNAMON RICE PILAF

Orange-Cinnamon Rice Pilaf image

Make and share this Orange-Cinnamon Rice Pilaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by swissms

Categories Long Grain Rice

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
6 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped unsalted natural pistachios
ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

Melt butter in sauce pan over medium-high heat.
Add onion; saute 5 minutes.
Add rice, juice, peel, cinnamon, cumin, and salt. Stir 1 minute.
Add broth; bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until broth is absorbed, about 19 minutes.
Season with pepper; mix in nuts.

Tips:

Choose the right rice. Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, is best for pilaf because it cooks evenly and doesn't get sticky.
Rinse the rice. This removes the starch from the rice, which helps it cook more evenly and prevents it from clumping together.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
Toast the rice. This step is optional, but it adds a nutty flavor to the rice.
Add the liquid. The liquid can be water, broth, or a combination of both. The amount of liquid you use will depend on the type of rice you are using.
Bring the liquid to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
Let the rice rest. Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Serve the rice. Orange rice pilaf can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It can also be used in salads, soups, and casseroles

Conclusion:

Orange rice pilaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it simple or flavorful, orange rice pilaf is sure to please.