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Almond rice pilaf in a stainless steel pan.

Almond Rice Pilaf


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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

  1. In a small pot, heat the chicken broth, butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
  2. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Reserve.
  3. In a separate pan, add the olive oil and orzo. Toast the orzo until browned.
  4. Add in the minced garlic and shallot. Allow to cook for just a minute. Do not brown or burn.
  5. Add in the rice. Season with a touch more kosher salt.
  6. Pour in the hot stock. Mix.
  7. Cover and allow the mixture to simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes.
  8. As the rice is simmering, toast the almonds in a pan.
  9. Once the rice is finished, fluff with a fork. 
  10. Add in the toasted almonds and fresh chopped parsley. 
  11. Mix.
  12. 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