Description
Mediterranean rice pilaf whispers culinary secrets from Greece with fragrant herbs and delicate spices. Fluffy grains kissed by olive oil and gentle seasonings invite you to savor each perfectly balanced, aromatic bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- ⅓ cup vermicelli or orzo
- 2 ⅔ cups (635 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch onion powder
Fats and Garnish:
- ⅓ cup (75 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Create a flavorful aromatic liquid base by gently warming chicken broth with unsalted butter, salt, garlic powder, ground black pepper, paprika, and onion powder in a medium saucepan over gentle heat. Reduce temperature to low, allowing seasonings to infuse smoothly.
- Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Add delicate vermicelli noodles and toast until golden brown, stirring continuously for 4-6 minutes to prevent burning.
- Introduce long-grain white rice to the skillet with toasted vermicelli, stirring and cooking for 5-7 minutes until grains turn translucent and appear bright white, releasing a nutty fragrance.
- Carefully pour the prepared seasoned chicken broth into the skillet with rice and vermicelli mixture. Immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low, allowing contents to simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes.
- After initial cooking period, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the surface. Return lid and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 3-4 minutes. Gently fluff the rice pilaf with a fork, separating grains and incorporating herbs evenly. Serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- Toasting vermicelli creates a nutty, golden-brown flavor that elevates the entire pilaf’s taste profile.
- Broth infusion with spices ensures deep, rich seasoning throughout every rice grain.
- Precise cooking time prevents mushy or undercooked rice, guaranteeing perfect texture.
- Parsley adds fresh brightness and visual appeal to the finished dish.
- Low and slow simmering allows rice to absorb liquid evenly without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg