When you think of pilaf, you probably imagine a rich, filling dish infused with exotic flavors. While this side dish is often a staple at dinner parties, it can also be made at home with a little bit of effort.

The key to a perfect rice pilaf is to make sure the grains are cooked properly so they don’t break down and become mushy. The best way to ensure this is by toasting the rice before adding liquid. This toasting helps to separate the grains and avoids clumping, which makes the end result fluffy and delicious.

Using Long Grain White Rice:

If you’re making this easy rice recipe, use long grain white rice, which is generally the most flavorful and best for achieving the desired light and fluffy texture. You can use other types of rice as well, but they will require a longer cooking time and you’ll need to add more water.

Adding Flavor:

The easiest way to add flavor to this simple rice recipe is by sauteing onions, garlic and carrots with butter. This is a great opportunity to use fresh, aromatic ingredients that will give you that extra depth of flavor that will make your rice pilaf stand out from the rest!

Cooking the Rice:

The next step to making this delicious, easy rice recipe is to boil the rice in broth. When you do this, it is important to cook the rice gently to avoid overcooking. Once the broth has come to a simmer, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. This will ensure the rice is tender and perfectly cooked, which will result in a perfect pilaf every time.

Veggie Rice Pilaf:

The last step to this quick and easy rice recipe is to toss the cooked rice with a variety of vegetables, including peas and carrots! This is an ideal side dish that’s perfect for any meal!

You can also make this as a main dish by adding chopped chicken, shrimp or pork. The vegetables and protein add a healthy, satisfying amount of fiber and nutrients to this tasty side dish.

Vegetable Rice Pilaf is an easy and delicious side dish to serve with any meal! This recipe uses jasmine or basmati rice and a variety of frozen vegetables, and it only takes 30 minutes to make.

Handy Make-Ahead Tip:

This simple rice recipe can be prepared up to an hour before serving. Simply remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before transferring to an airtight container or serving dish.

A few simple ingredients, including a little butter and spices, can turn an ordinary bowl of rice into a festive dish that everyone will enjoy! This is a perfect side dish for any holiday, special occasion or family dinner!

Learn How to Make Pilaf:

The basics of how to make pilaf remain the same, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. The trick is to know what works with the other ingredients and how to combine them for the best results. When you have the basics down, your pilaf will be light, fragrant and absolutely delicious!