If you’ve never had rice pilaf before, you might be wondering what exactly is in it. The ingredients in this rice dish may vary depending on the recipe, and the region where it is made. So what is in rice pilaf? Pilaf rice typically contains rice, sauteed onions, garlic, broth, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and parsley. Also, vegetables like sliced carrots or celery, and protein like chicken, lamb, or shrimp can be added to cook the rice.
One great thing about this rice dish is that it’s pretty versatile and it is almost similar to Spanish rice. You can make it as simple or as complex as you want, and it will still turn out incredibly delicious.
Related: What to add to rice pilaf?
This dish is traditionally made by cooking rice in a seasoned broth, which gives it a wonderful savory flavor. To make it even more delicious, you can add some chopped vegetables or even some cooked chicken, lamb, or beef to the mix.
So what is in rice pilaf?
- Rice
- Broth
- Spices
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Dried fruits and nuts
Rice
When it comes to pilaf rice, you can use any type of rice you like. Long-grained white rice is the most popular choice, but brown rice, wild rice, bulgur wheat, quinoa, couscous, or Orzo pasta would work just as well. You will need to rinse the rice before cooking it to help remove starch so you don’t end up with mushy pilaf rice.
Broth
Using broth in place of water will add a lot of flavor to your rice pilaf, making it more savory and extra delicious. Chicken, beef, and vegetable broths or stock are all great choices to choose from, you may want to consider using low-sodium options if using store-bought or use your homemade stock.
Spices
Aromatic spices are what will give the dish a warm and comforting flavor. Common spices used in pilaf include cumin, garlic, coriander, salt, paprika, black pepper, and saffron. You can also experiment with other spices such as turmeric, cloves, allspice, cardamom, and cinnamon. To add a bit of heat to your pilaf, you can also use chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Vegetables
Some of the best vegetables for rice pilaf include carrots, bell peppers, peas, corn, diced onions, parsley, celery, mushrooms, and peas. These vegetables provide a variety of colors, textures, and flavors that can make the dish stand out. Additionally, they all cook relatively quickly, so you won’t have to spend too much time in the kitchen prepping and cooking the rice.
Meat
Meat gives the dish a lot of flavors and makes it more filling. You can use lamb, beef, or chicken depending on what you want. I enjoy adding cubed lamb to this rice dish because it is so flavorful and succulent. Here is a great recipe on how to cook rice pilaf with lamb. You can choose to brown the meat together with the rice and veggies in one pot or simply cook your meat separately before adding it to the cooked rice.
Dried fruits and nuts
For a truly delicious and exciting dish, try using a mix of different fruits or nuts. This will give the dish a unique flavor and texture that even your picky eater will love. Some of the fruits to use are dried raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots. Nuts can also be used to add texture, flavor, and crunch to your pilaf. Toasted nuts will add a nice crunch and some examples include pistachios, cashews, pine nuts, and silver almonds. Just make sure to chop them up into small pieces before adding them to the rice.
What is in rice pilaf?
Rice pilaf typically contains rice, broth (usually chicken, beef, or vegetable), vegetables, and spices. The vegetables can be anything you like, such as diced onions, carrots, celery, or peas. The spices can also be customized to your taste buds, but commonly used spices include salt, pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, parsley, and garlic.
Pilafs are usually made with long-grained rice, but brown rice, wild rice, orzo pasta, and vermicelli pasta can also be used. Some recipes may include different types of meat, such as chicken, lamb, or beef. However, pilafs can be made vegetarian, and instead of meat, you can incorporate many vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, celery ribs, or peas.
Why is it called pilaf?
The word “pilaf” actually comes from the Turkish word “pilav,” which means “rice that has been toasted and then cooked in broth.” This method of cooking rice is thought to have originated in Central Asia, and it eventually made its way to other parts of the world, including the Middle East, India, and Europe.
What is another word for pilaf?
Pilaf, also called pilau, Polow, or pulao, is a rice dish that is popular in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The word “pilaf” comes from the Turkish word “pilav,” which means “rice or “grain”. It is a technique of cooking rice in which the rice is first toasted in fat (usually butter or vegetable oil), often with other ingredients such as vegetables or meat before the broth is added to it to cook until the rice is tender. This gives the rice a nutty flavor and results in a light and fluffy dish. This simple technique can be used to create a variety of other delicious and exciting dishes.
What type of rice is most suitable for pilaf and why?
Long-grain rice is often used for pilaf recipes as it produces light and fluffy results. Basmati and jasmine rice are good options; these types of rice keep their shape throughout the cooking time, And because of the less starch content, they are less likely to stick together unlike other types of rice. This makes it easier to achieve the perfect pilaf consistency.
Short-grain rice like arborio and sushi rice are not ideal for pilaf because they have higher starch content than long-grain rice. This makes them sticky and mushy when cooked. However, you could also your regular long-grained white rice, brown rice, or wild rice use for your rice pilaf recipe.
What is rice pilaf made of?
The most basic rice pilaf recipe is made with rice, sauteed onions, garlic, broth, and seasonings. You can also add in other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn. If you want to make it a heartier meal, you can add in lamb, chicken, or beef. And for an extra bit of flavor, you can top it off with nuts or dried fruits.
What to serve with rice pilaf?
For a light and refreshing option, pair rice pilaf with a green salad and lemon vinaigrette. If you prefer a heartier meal, try serving it with roasted chicken thighs or grilled fish with a simple vegetable like steamed broccoli. You can also pair it with lamb chops or shrimp scampi for a complete meal. For an extra touch of sweetness and extra flavor, you can top it with sautéed onions and mushrooms.