Simple, Elegant Rice Pilaf

On my daughter’s second birthday, she asked for “lamb on a stick”, aka rack of lamb.

First of all, I was proud as punch that she asked for something so sophisticated. Clearly, I was an excellent parent — as if her favored tastes had anything to do with me!

My next question was, What am I going to serve with it?

Thankfully, she was our only child at the time, so the cost of a rack of lamb dinner wasn’t as eye-crossing as it would be now that we’ve added two hungry, carnivorous boys to the family…

This was at a time when we lived in a very urban area on the third-floor of an apartment building and we had just decided to grow all the food we possibly could on our tiny balcony. The first thing I had planted was a rosemary bush, and since rosemary accompanies lamb and other meats so well, I decided to add it to the buttery rice she loved.

Thus, this very simple pilaf was born and it’s been a regular staple on our dinner table ever since. We serve it at “regular” dinners, special holiday dinners, and even lunch every now and then.

And yes, typically pilafs have vegetables. You’re certainly welcome to add some if you so desire, but the reason I don’t call for any is specifically to keep this super simple, frugal, quick, and able to accompany pretty much anything.

It makes an especially lovely addition to the Thanksgiving table as well, so be sure to share it around on Pinterest, Facebook, or print it to give to friends who might be looking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter inspiration.

Happy feasting!

3.5 from 2 votes

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Simple Rice Pilaf

This very simple pilaf will soon be a regular on your dinner table. Perfect for special occasions and weeknight meal, even lunch, you'll love it as much as I do. 

Serves 4 to 6.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Soak 12 hours

Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 535 kcal

Author Kresha Faber

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain rice white or brown
• 4 cups pure water warm
• 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar *
• 4 tablespoons grass-fed butter
• 2 to 3 large shallots finely chopped**
• 4 cups chicken stock OR pure water
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 6-inch sprig fresh rosemary

Instructions

Soaking stage:

1. Place rice in a glass or ceramic bowl and pour water over. 

2. Stir in vinegar, then cover with a tea towel or other loose cloth and let sit for 12 to 24 hours. 

Cooking stage:

1. After soaking, drain the rice through a strainer and rinse gently. 

2. Set rice aside. 

3. Melt butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat until it bubbles. 

4. Add shallots and cook until they’re translucent but have not browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. 

5. Add the soaked, drained rice and sauté just until the grains begin to turn golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. 

6. Stir frequently.

7. Add chicken stock, salt, and the rosemary sprig, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. 

8. Cook, covered, until all water has been absorbed and rice is tender, 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the type of rice you've used.

Recipe Notes

• *You can use lemon juice, whey, or other acidic medium in place of raw apple cider vinegar.
• **You can use either white or yellow onions in place of the shallots in the recipe, provided they’re finely diced, but if you’ve got access to inexpensive shallots, they’re definitely preferable!
• You may also add vegetables if you so desire, such as peas, chopped carrots, or lima beans. Add them after the shallots have caramelized but before you add the rice.
• To serve, remove the sprig of rosemary (many of the leaves will likely have fallen off into the rice, which is perfect). Spoon into a serving bowl and top with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Simple Rice Pilaf

Amount Per Serving

Calories 535 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Cholesterol 37mg12%

Sodium 752mg33%

Potassium 400mg11%

Carbohydrates 85g28%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 350IU7%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 48mg5%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Other Soaked Whole Grain Recipes

• Gluten-Free 4-Grain Breakfast Porridge (w/ easy soaking step!)
• Perfect Soaked Rice {Instant Pot or any pressure cooker}
• Soaked Brown Rice Recipe (Baked & Stove Top Options!)
• How to Soak & Cook Whole Grains

Do you love rice pilaf, like my daughter? Will you try this recipe?