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Easy Homemade Fluffy Rice Pilaf with Orzo and Herbs

A mound of fluffy white rice pilaf mixed with herbs and toasted bits, served on a white plate.
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This recipe shows you how to make a flavorful, fluffy rice pilaf using orzo, chicken broth, and fresh herbs. It is a simple, quick side dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (Basmati works well)
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch it closely so it does not burn.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the rice to the pan and stir everything together. Cook the rice for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the grains in the fat. This step helps create fluffy rice.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting time.
  9. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh parsley and chives before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, toast the rice and orzo slightly longer until they smell nutty.
  • If you do not have chicken broth, use water mixed with a good quality bouillon cube or paste.
  • This savory rice accompaniment pairs well with roasted chicken or simple baked fish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/easy-rice-pilaf-fluffy-orzo-recipe/