How to Make Basic Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a simple way of cooking rice so it's fluffy and loose. In a pilaf dish, the rice grains stay separate and don't form clumps. This recipe can be used as a side dish any time you feel like eating rice. It makes about 3 cups.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 small onions - diced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oils
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 14.5 ounce can low-sodium chicken stocks
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup converted rice
• Salt And Pepper

Instructions

1. Heat a nonstick 10-inch skillet over medium heat and add the oil.

2. When hot, add the butter and onion and sauté until the onion is tender, about two to three minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. If you use canned broth, omit the salt, as the broth is plenty salty.

3. Stir in the rice. Coat each grain with some of the fat in the pan. This key step keeps each grain separate.

4. Cook the rice for about 30 seconds, stirring to keep rice from sticking to the bottom.

5. Add 1 3/4 cups of broth or water and bring to a boil. As soon as it boils, lower the heat to a slow simmer and cover tightly.

6. Simmer for 12 minutes, then stir once and cover again. If pan is dry, add 1/4 cup more liquid.

7. Cook five minutes more, then taste. If rice is undercooked, add 1/4 cup more liquid, simmer three more minutes, then shut off the heat and let the rice steam, still covered, for five to ten minutes.

8. Taste again. When the rice is done, fluff with a fork and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Use homemade stock if possible. If not, use low-sodium broth only or use water.

• Converted rice is briefly boiled while the husks are still on. This drives some pigments and nutrients from the husk into the grain itself - that's why it's a tan color. Although it's been parboiled, converted rice takes a little longer to cook than regular white rice. Uncle Ben's is the most popular brand.

• You can also use medium- or long-grain white rice, basmati rice or brown rice. Asian-style white rices have often been coated with starch and are designed to be sticky; they won't work as well.

• Many ingredients can be added for flavor as the rice cooks: bay leaf, parsley, thyme or oregano, or different vegetables. You can also experiment with different stocks.