Fresh & light Rice Pilaf with veggies and great Spring flavors for the perfect side dish to any meal! Made with butter, onions, dill, & chicken broth for delightfully flavored rice.
Light in flavor, this easy side dish combines fluffy long-grain rice with vegetables, herbs, and the crunch of toasted almonds. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, it pairs beautifully with main dishes.
Highlights of this Rice Pilaf Side Dish
- Simple steps to follow. This dish comes together quickly and has clear, easy steps. You do have to simmer the rice, so keep that in mind timewise. The rest of the recipe is minimal prep work!
- Full of amazing flavor! The combination of rice, herbs, and vegetables creates a flavorful dish. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a wonderful pop of freshness too.
- A healthy choice: Our recipe includes a medley of nutritious vegetables such as carrots, peas, and diced red bell pepper. Serve up antioxidants and fiber in one delicious dish!
Homemade Rice Pilaf Ingredients
Butter: Add rich flavor by using 3 TBSP of butter.
Dill: Use ½ tsp of dried dill in this recipe.
Onion: For a subtle sweet taste, add in some diced onion.
Rice: You’ll need 2 cups of uncooked long grain rice for this dish.
Salt: Season the rice with some salt.
Chicken broth: Cook the rice in 3 cups of chicken broth for great flavor.
Water: Add a little water to the pan for more liquid.
Carrots: Use 1 cup of matchstick carrots for a pop of color and nutrition.
Peas: A cup of frozen peas, thawed, adds great flavor.
Red bell pepper: You’ll need ½ cup of finely diced red bell peppers.
Almonds: For a nutty crunch, add in toasted slivered almonds.
Lemon juice: Using 1 TBSP of lemon juice gives the dish a slight citrus taste.
Parsley: Garnish the dish with parsley for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Key steps for making Spring Rice Pilaf
Full recipe directions are below, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Melting the butter and sauteing the minced onions is a key part of creating a flavorful and rich dish.
- Simmer slow and steady: Simmering on low-heat is key to fluffy rice. It prevents burning and allows rice to absorb the moisture and cook evenly. It’s not a step to be rushed!
- Cook the veggies just until softened: After cooking the rice, mix in the vegetables. You only need to cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly soft, you don’t want to over cook them or they will be mushy.
How long is this rice good for & how do you store it?
Spring Rice Pilaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Can you freeze this rice pilaf dish?
Yes, Spring Rice Pilaf can be frozen. It is recommended to portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. When stored properly, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Spring Rice Pilaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 TBSP butter
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cups uncooked long grain rice
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds toasted
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 2 TBSP parsley
Instructions
- Start by dicing the onions and gathering all the ingredients.
- Melt the butter in a 2-qt saucepan over medium heat. Add dill and onion and cook until onions are translucent.
- Add in rice and stir until onions are well combined. Add in the salt, chicken broth, and water. Stir to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Gently stir in carrots, peas, bell pepper, almonds and lemon juice. Cook, uncovered, for another 7-8 minutes, until vegetables are soft. Top with parsley and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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How can I make my rice pilaf extra flavorful and aromatic?
For enhanced flavor, don’t skip the step of sautéing the onions in butter before adding the rice. It’s an important step for a rich, flavorful dish. Incorporating spices such as cumin or cardamom can also elevate the dish’s aroma.
Can you suggest a good substitute for chicken broth in a vegetarian rice pilaf?
Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for chicken broth. It provides a similar depth of flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prevent my rice pilaf from becoming sticky or mushy?
Rinsing the uncooked rice until the water runs clear helps remove excess starch, which can cause stickiness. Additionally, avoiding overcrowding the pot and cooking the rice at the right temperature contributes to the ideal texture.
Need more tasty rice dishes? Try our favorites here:
- This recipe for easy mushroom rice pairs perfectly with beef, chicken, or fish! It is a fantastic addition to any meal.
- Make this delicious light pineapple fried rice for a fresh, flavorful weeknight dinner! It’s a fun twist on a classic dish.
- A great summertime dish is this chilled chicken wild rice salad. Made with chicken, rice, veggies, and tossed in a delightful vinaigrette!
- Keep things traditional with this chicken fried rice recipe. It’s so simple to make and tastes amazing!
Spring Rice Pilaf made with butter, onions, carrots, & chicken broth for wonderfully flavored rice. This easy side dish is perfect for family dinners or any special occasion, it’s easy to make and comes together quickly.
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