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French Style: Rice Pilaf Recipe (Riz Pilaf)

French Style Rice Pilaf Recipe (Riz Pilaf)

In France the word pilaf refers to the cooking method of sauteing a food in fat before adding liquid. This method produces perfect rice every time. You will find 2 alternatives at the bottom.

French Style: Rice Pilaf Recipe (Riz Pilaf)

In France the word pilaf refers to the cooking method of sauteing a food in fat before adding liquid. This method produces perfect rice every time. If you don't want to use butter, you may use 3-4 table spoons (45-60 ml) vegetable oil instead.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine French
Servings 8
Calories 359 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp butter 1.5 oz or 40 g
  • 1 onion medium sized, finely chopped
  • 2 cups long grain rice 450 g or 1 lb
  • 3 cups chicken stock or water 750 ml or 1+1/4 pints
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme 2.5 ml
  • 1 bay leaf small
  • Salt
  • black pepper freshly ground

to garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, dill or chives chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large heavy saucepan, melt the butter or heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until just softened, stirring all the time.
  • Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice becomes translucent but does not begin to brown, stirring frequently.
  • Add the stock or water, dried thyme and bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.
    Rice-pilaf-Riz-Pilaf-vegetarian-diet-recipes-steps-2
  • Bring to the boil over a high heat, stirring frequently. Just as the rice begins to boil, cover the surface with a round of foil or greaseproof paper and cover the saucepan.
  • Reduce the heat to very low and cook for 20 minutes (do not lift the cover or stir at this point).
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Video

Notes

COOK’S TIP
Once cooked, the rice will remain hot for a half an hour, tightly covered. To reheat it, spoon into a microwave-safe bowl, cover and microwave on High (full power) for about 5 minutes until hot.
Keyword Easy recipes, Rice recipes, Vegetarian

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Two more recipes for French Rice Pilaf

French Rice Pilaf with Vegies

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