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Rice Pilaf

traditional Greek rice pilaf

This platter of golden, fluffy, perfect pilaf is so simple to make and positively lovely to eat. Often served as the show-stopper at weddings back in the day when rice was very expensive, pilafi was a dish reserved only for the most special occasions. Even now, when rice is readily available and very inexpensive, this humble dish will wow you every time.

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2/3 cup uncooked orzo
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 1/2 cups rice
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 4 cups vegetable broth1 tsp salt and pepper
  • 1 cup chopped parsley

Heat olive oil in 3 quart, or larger, pan over medium heat. Add orzo and cook, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes until orzo begin to brown. Add onions, almonds and rice. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Watch your pan so ingredients don’t burn!

Add golden raisins, vegetable broth and salt/pepper. Stir well, bring up to a boil. Bring down to a low simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes.

When done, uncover and fluff rice pilaf with a fork. Plate and garnish with chopped parsley. Pilaf serves 6-8.

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11 Responses to Rice Pilaf

  1. Eva November 16, 2017 at 3:37 pm #

    This looks yummy. Do you think the time would need to double if using whole wheat orzo and brown rice?

    • Kiki November 17, 2017 at 1:11 pm #

      When using brown rice,you would probably have to almost double the cooking time for sure. Not sure about the whole wheat orzo, would defer to box instructions there. Oh and very important to remember when subbing in brown rice – increase the amount of water!

  2. Eugenia G. Burpulis November 16, 2017 at 5:23 pm #

    My concern with this recipe is the amount of carbohydrates, cholesterol and salt it would have in the final product..

    • Kiki November 17, 2017 at 1:08 pm #

      Granted, not sure I would eat three meals of this everyday (I def could though!) but everything in moderation 🙂

    • Jennifer November 24, 2017 at 8:54 pm #

      There is no cholesterol in this dish. Cholesterol is only found in animal products, and this dish appears to be vegan.

    • Eva C November 27, 2017 at 6:07 pm #

      Also, you can substitute the veggie broth with a low sodium broth and skip the salt (add herb salt instead 🙂 )

      • Kiki November 28, 2017 at 8:45 pm #

        yes, absolutely! just make sure you taste your liquid for saltiness before adding the rice and adjust then as needed 🙂

    • Ellen April 4, 2018 at 6:11 pm #

      No cholesterol!

  3. Monica Pizanias November 17, 2017 at 12:56 pm #

    Thanks! I have been looking for this!

  4. Ann McConnell September 7, 2018 at 10:01 am #

    Is there another thing I can use instead of orzo as can’t source it in Spain, thanks. Love all your recipes and have kilos of grapes this year I want to roast!

    • Kiki September 9, 2018 at 10:40 pm #

      Oh do I love roasted grapes!! You could use tithe noodles (bird’s nests) crumbled up in small pieces and browned if you have access to those? if not, simply leave them out and enjoy the yummy rice all on it’s own 🙂

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