Best 5 Zucchini Pilaf Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey with zucchini pilaf, a delectable dish that combines the vibrant flavors of zucchini, aromatic rice, and an array of herbs and spices. This versatile dish can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a perfect choice for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Discover three enticing variations of zucchini pilaf in this article: the classic zucchini pilaf, a hearty version with ground beef, and a refreshing lemon-herb rendition. Each recipe is carefully crafted to highlight the unique flavors of zucchini, ensuring a satisfying and delightful dining experience.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH ZUCCHINI, ROASTED RED PEPPERS & PAR



Basmati Rice Pilaf With Zucchini, Roasted Red Peppers & Par image

Make and share this Basmati Rice Pilaf With Zucchini, Roasted Red Peppers & Par recipe from Food.com.

Provided by MarieRynr

Categories     Rice

Time 25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 -5 basil leaves, cut into thin strips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400*F.
  • Place the zucchini cubes on a baking sheet with sides and toss with 1 TBs of the olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Roast for about 15 minutes, stirring periodically so it browns evenly, until it is tender and golden brown. Cool to room temperature.
  • Melt the butter and the remaining 1 TBS olive oil together in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook about 5 minutes until soft. Add the rice and continue to cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes, ujtil the rice slides around easily in the pan. Stir in the broth, 2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper and bring to a low boil ove medium high heat. Reduce the heat tolow, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until fluffy and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
  • Remove the rice from the heat, add the roasted peppers, roasted zucchini, parsley, and basil. Stir gently to combine. Season to taste if required. Serve warm.

ZUCCHINI RICE PILAF



Zucchini Rice Pilaf image

I created this colorful rice and veggie side dish one night by combining a few ingredients I had on hand. My husband, Robert, loved it and I have been making it ever since.-Lori Blevins, Douglasville, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons butter
2-1/4 cups hot water
1-1/4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1 small zucchini, halved and thinly sliced

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute basil in butter for 2 minutes. Add water and bouillon; bring to a boil. Stir in rice and carrot. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. , Add zucchini; cover and simmer until rice is tender, about 5 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 231 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 318mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ZUCCHINI PILAF WITH ALMONDS



Zucchini Pilaf With Almonds image

Provided by Elaine Louie

Categories     side dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

For the rice:
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup long grain rice
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the zucchini:
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pound zucchini , ends trimmed, halved lengthwise (or quartered if large) and cut into 1/3-inch slices
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon currants or dark raisins
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Freshly ground black pepper
For the yogurt-garlic sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt, or strained non-Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or pressed through a garlic press
1 tablespoon dried crushed mint
Pinch of cayenne
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • For the rice: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place almonds on a baking sheet, and bake until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Remove, and set aside to cool.
  • In a small pan over medium heat, add butter and rice. Stir until the rice is lightly toasted, 5 to 8 minutes. Add vegetable broth, allspice, and salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to very low so the broth barely simmers; use a heat diffuser if necessary. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the zucchini.
  • For the zucchini: Place a large sauté pan over medium heat, and add olive oil. Add onion, and cook, stirring, until translucent and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the zucchini, coriander, cumin, cayenne and salt. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add rice and currants, and mix well. If the rice looks dry, add two tablespoons water. Cover, and cook until the zucchini and rice are tender, about 15 minutes. The rice mixture may be uncovered and quickly stirred once or twice, covering it immediately after.
  • For the yogurt garlic sauce: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, mint and a pinch of cayenne. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • When the rice and zucchini are ready, top with cilantro, toasted almonds and fresh black pepper. Serve immediately, with yogurt-garlic sauce passed separately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 344, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 734 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BULGUR PILAF WITH TOMATO AND ZUCCHINI



Bulgur Pilaf With Tomato and Zucchini image

This is one of the painless recipes that has helped me ease into using more types of grains. Great healthy side dish that compliments a wide array of entrees. Would also make a great light lunch. Found in Best Loved Whole Grain Recipes.

Provided by MechanicalJen

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup uncooked Bulgar wheat
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves
2 small zucchini
14 1/2 ounces no-salt-added whole tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon basil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Rinse bulgur thoroughly in colander under cold water removing any debris. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Saute 3 minutes or until onion is tender.
  • Stir in zucchini and tomatoes, reduce heat to medium-low. cook, covered 15 minutes or until zucchini is almost tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir chicken broth, bulgur, basil and pepper into veggie mixture. Bring to a boil over high heat. Recude heat to low. Cook, covered over low heat 15 minutes or until bulgur is tender and liquid is almost completely absorbed, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 10 minutes.

ZUCCHINI PILAF!



Zucchini Pilaf! image

This Recipe came from "The Frugal Gourmet's" PBS Series a long time ago. We love rice and we love zucchini. This is a delicious combo.

Provided by Ingrid Parker

Categories     Rice Sides

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 medium zucchini, sliced (1/4-inch)
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup long grain rice
2 tbsp. butter
1-1/2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice)
1/2 tsp kosher salt or 1/4 tsp. regular iodized salt)
grated parmesan for serving

Steps:

  • 1. Sauté zucchini and garlic in olive oil until just wilted. Remove from skillet
  • 2. Add butter to pan and sauté rice until it starts to turn golden brown.
  • 3. Place rice into a saucepan. Add broth, wine and salt and bring to a boil. Place zucchini on top BUT DO NOT STIR!
  • 4. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until rice is done, about 20 minutes. Serve sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan. NOTE: Please don't use the stuff in The Green Can. :-)

Tips:

  • Make sure to use fresh zucchini for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you don't have any zucchini on hand, you can substitute other vegetables, such as green bell peppers, carrots, or celery.
  • Feel free to add other spices and seasonings to your liking, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder.
  • If you want a more flavorful pilaf, you can toast the rice before cooking it.
  • To make the pilaf even more hearty, you can add some cooked chicken or shrimp.
  • Zucchini pilaf is a great side dish for grilled or roasted chicken, fish, or lamb.

Conclusion:

Zucchini pilaf is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up fresh zucchini and it is also a healthy and affordable meal. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor, zucchini pilaf is sure to become a family favorite.

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