Herbed Rice Pilaf

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Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Aromatic long-grain rice simmered with fresh herbs and vegetables for a fluffy, flavorful side dish.
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This Herbed Rice Pilaf is a light, aromatic side dish that brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Long-grain rice is toasted in olive oil before being simmered with sautéed onions, celery, and garlic, infusing every grain with savory depth. Dried thyme and a bay leaf add an earthy, herbal note that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The result is fluffy, separate grains that are tender yet retain a slight bite. Perfectly seasoned and simple to prepare, this pilaf pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or hearty stews. ItâÂÂs a reliable, elegant addition to weeknight dinners or holiday spreads, offering a wholesome, plant-based option that satisfies without overwhelming the palate.

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Herbed Rice Pilaf

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 212.3

Description

This Herbed Rice Pilaf is a light, aromatic side dish that brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Long-grain rice is toasted in olive oil before being simmered with saut&# 195;©ed onions, celery, and garlic, infusing every grain with savory depth. Dried thyme and a bay leaf add an earthy, herbal note that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The result is fluffy, separate grains that are tender yet retain a slight bite. Perfectly seasoned and simple to prepare, this pilaf pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or hearty stews. ItâÂÂs a reliable, elegant addition to weeknight dinners or holiday spreads, offering a wholesome, plant-based option that satisfies without overwhelming the palate.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, and dried thyme to the pan.
  3. Sauté vegetables for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent and celery is softened.
  4. Stir in the long grain rice and toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly coated in oil.
  5. Add the bay leaf and water to the saucepan.
  6. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
  9. Discard the bay leaf.
  10. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  11. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh thyme sprig.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 212.3kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6.1g10%
Saturated Fat 0.9g5%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 33.3mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 40.7g14%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g35%
Sugars 2.0g
Protein 4.4g9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: rice pilaf, herbed rice, mediterranean side, vegan rice, long grain rice, thyme rice, garlic rice, celery onion rice, fluffy rice, bay leaf rice, olive oil rice, side dish, healthy grain, plant based, easy dinner side
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