Description
It’s time to ditch the boxed, “San Francisco Treat!” Homemade Almond Rice Pilaf is super easy to prepare, and incredibly delicious. Toasted almonds add a beautiful crunchy texture to this tasty side dish. Rice pilaf is a versatile side dish that perfectly compliments a wide range of proteins and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 3/4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup medium-grain rice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds or sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a small pot, heat the chicken broth, butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Reserve.
- In a separate pan, add the olive oil and orzo. Toast the orzo until browned.
- Add in the minced garlic and shallot. Allow to cook for just a minute. Do not brown or burn.
- Add in the rice. Season with a touch more kosher salt.
- Pour in the hot stock. Mix.
- Cover and allow the mixture to simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes.
- As the rice is simmering, toast the almonds in a pan.
- Once the rice is finished, fluff with a fork.
- Add in the toasted almonds and fresh chopped parsley.
- Mix.
- Serve and ENJOY!
Notes
- Broken spaghetti can be used in replacement of the orzo.
- Use a medium or long-grain rice.
- The stock needs to be hot when pouring into the rice mixture.
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy grains after cooking.
- Toast the orzo in olive oil until it turns golden brown; this enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Soften minced garlic and shallot without browning them to maintain a subtle, aromatic taste in the pilaf.
- Adjust the quantity of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to suit your taste preferences.
- For vegetarian rice pilaf, use vegetable broth.
- Simmer the rice on low heat after adding the hot stock mixture, allowing it to absorb flavors gradually.
- After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and prevent a sticky texture.
- Toast the almonds separately in a pan to enhance their crunch and release their nutty aroma.
- Keep an eye on both the orzo and almonds as they are toasting. Both can burn, easily.
- Add fresh chopped parsley or your favorite herbs at the end for a burst of freshness and color.
- Experiment with various protein and vegetable pairings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving