Best 5 Rachael Rays Rice Pilaf Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of Rachael Ray's Rice Pilaf, an aromatic and fluffy side dish that complements any main course with its simple yet satisfying taste. This classic rice dish is made with long-grain rice, cooked in a flavorful broth infused with herbs, spices, and sautéed vegetables, resulting in a medley of textures and flavors. The article offers a variety of rice pilaf recipes, catering to different dietary preferences and taste profiles. From the traditional recipe featuring a medley of vegetables, to a vegetarian version packed with colorful bell peppers and zucchini, and even a gluten-free option, there's a rice pilaf recipe for every occasion. One recipe incorporates the vibrant flavors of saffron and dried cranberries, while another tantalizes the taste buds with the addition of smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. With step-by-step instructions and detailed ingredient lists, recreating these rice pilaf dishes at home is a breeze.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PEPPER STEAK AND RICE PILAF WITH MUSHROOMS



Pepper Steak and Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
1 tablespoon butter
10 white mushrooms, chopped
1 3/4 cups water
1 package rice pilaf mix (recommended: Near East brand), 6.09 ounces
2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 turns of the pan
2 pounds tenderloin tips or sirloin, cut into chunks
Coarse salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 green bell peppers, seeded, 2 inch dice
1/2 white onion, sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup dry sherry - eyeball it
1 1/2 cups beef consomme
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper

Steps:

  • In a medium pot over medium to medium high heat add a tablespoon of oil and a tablespoon of butter. When butter melts, add chopped mushrooms and saute 3 to 5 minutes. Add water and cover the pot. Add rice and pilaf packet to water. Stir to combine, reduce heat and cook 18 minutes. Add parsley, fluff with fork.
  • Preheat a large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil to really hot pan. Add meat and sear on all sides, 5 minutes. Season with salt and remove to a plate. Cover meat loosely with foil to hold heat. Reduce heat on pan to medium. Add butter to pan. Add peppers and a little onion. Saute peppers and onions 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook 1 minute longer. Whisk in sherry and start to pick up pan drippings. Whisk in consomme and continue whisking. Add tomato and black pepper. Slide meat back into the pan and coat with sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Spoon Pepper Steak over Mushroom Rice Pilaf and serve.

LEMON CHICKEN AND LEEK RICE PILAF



Lemon Chicken and Leek Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 tablespoons butter
1/3 to 1/2 cup broken linguini
2 leeks, trimmed and chopped into thin half moons
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine, optional
1 1/4 cups white rice
3 cups chicken stock, reserved from Poached Chicken, recipe follows
1 lemon, juiced and zested
3 cups cooked chicken, about half of meat from Poached Chicken, recipe follows
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1 whole chicken, 5 pounds
2 bay leaves
2 carrots, coarsely chopped, with stems, if you have them
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 lemon, sliced
1 onion, quartered
A few stalks celery with leafy tops, coarsely chopped
A small handful fresh parsley with stems
Salt
A few peppercorns

Steps:

  • Heat the butter over medium heat in a skillet that has a lid. Add the pasta and toast until deep golden and nutty. Add the leeks and wilt, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and add wine, if using, and cook until it evaporates. Add the rice and the chicken stock and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until almost tender, 15 minutes. Add the chicken, lemon juice and parsley. Cover, let stand 5 to 10 minutes, then serve.
  • Get Rachael's shopping list for this episode's recipes here.
  • Place the cleaned chicken in a pot on bed of bay leaves, carrots, garlic, lemon, onions, celery and parsley. Fill the pot covering the top of the chicken with about 12 cups water. Sprinkle with salt and throw in a couple of peppercorns. Bring the water to a low boil then gently cook at low rolling simmer for about 1 hour, turning the chicken occasionally. Turn off the heat and allow the chicken to cool completely in its own juices. Remove the chicken and separate the meat from the skin and bones. Strain and reserve all of the cooking liquids.

RICE PILAF



Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup broken spaghetti
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
Salt and pepper
3 1/2 to 4 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup dried currants
1/4 cup pignoli (pine nuts), toasted
1/2 bunch fresh chives, chopped
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Add the spaghetti and toast until deep golden in color and very nutty-smelling. Add the rice and stir for a minute. Season with some salt and pepper, add 3 1/2 cups of the stock and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the rice is just tender, about 18 minutes; add extra stock as necessary if the pan gets too dry. Fluff the pilaf with a fork. Mix in the currants, pignoli, chives and parsley.

RICE PILAF WITH ARUGULA



Rice Pilaf with Arugula image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup orzo pasta
1 cup white rice
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups chopped arugula
2 handfuls grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

  • Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a sauce pot over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast until deeply golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and toss with the orzo. Add the stock and bring to boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook 16 to 17 minutes until tender. Stir in the arugula and cheese and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

SAFFRON RICE PILAF



Saffron Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup broken thin spaghetti
1 3/4 cups chicken stock
1 cup long-grain rice
1/4 cup chopped golden raisins
1 Fresno chile pepper, halved
1 large bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
Generous pinch saffron
Salt

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and toast until golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock, rice, raisins, chile pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, saffron and season with salt. Bring to boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 18 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for good-quality rice, such as basmati or long-grain. Fresh vegetables and flavorful broth will also enhance the dish.
  • Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking: This will remove excess starch and help prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
  • Toast the rice before cooking: Toasting the rice in a little bit of oil or butter before adding the liquid will enhance its flavor and give it a nutty aroma.
  • Use the right amount of liquid: The ratio of liquid to rice is essential for perfectly cooked rice pilaf. Generally, a ratio of 1:1.5 (liquid to rice) is a good starting point.
  • Cook the rice pilaf over low heat: Low heat will help the rice cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Fluff the rice pilaf before serving: Once the rice pilaf is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and make it light and airy.

Conclusion:

Rachael Ray's rice pilaf is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it's a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Experiment with different variations to find your favorite flavor combinations. Serve it with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying rice pilaf!

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