When it comes to what to add to rice pilaf, the sky is your limit; you can add whatever spices and herbs you like to create a unique and delicious dish. Adding the right ingredients to your rice pilaf can make all the difference in the world and the ingredient will definitely vary depending on the region where it is made.
Mediterranean pilaf rice is made with turmeric which gives it a beautiful yellow color, toasted pine nuts are also added for texture. In Middle Eastern countries, this rice is often cooked with chicken, lamb, and vegetables to create a flavorful and filling dish. In India, it is commonly served with peas and carrots and is used as a base for other dishes such as stews or curries. While in the United States, rice pilaf is often served as a side dish and is used as an alternative to cooked white rice.
Related: What is in rice pilaf?
Rice pilaf is a flavorful and easy way to dress up plain rice and is a great choice for a weeknight meal because it’s quick and easy to make and can be served as a side or main course. It is made by cooking rice in a seasoned broth or stock, often with vegetables and sometimes meat or seafood. The result is a flavorful and fluffy rice dish that is perfect for any occasion. Here is how to make rice pilaf.
What to add to rice pilaf
- Sauteed onions
- Vegetables
- Spices
- Herbs
- Cheese
- Fruits
- Nuts
Caramelized onions
Try sautéing some onions and garlic in butter until they’re nice and browned. Then, add in your rice and toast it for a few minutes before adding in the liquid.
Protein
You could also try adding some protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These are classic additions to rice pilaf and for a good reason. They are a great source of protein and pair perfectly well with rice and other ingredients. Another great ingredient to add is sausage. This can be any type of sausage that you like, but smoked sausage works great because it has a nice flavor and it doesn’t take so long to cook. Just Chop up the sausage into bite-sized pieces and add it to the rice when you are done cooking it.
Vegetables
Adding veggies to rice pilaf is a great way to bulk up the dish and give it some extra nutrients. Some of my favorites include sliced carrots, sauteed onions, peas, mushrooms, celery, and corn. These vegetables add a bit of sweetness and crunch to the rice. You could also add diced tomatoes or even roasted red peppers. Simply toast them in the oil together with the rice and let everything cook together.
Spices
If you want to give your rice pilaf a little extra flavor, try adding some spices. I love adding cumin, garlic coriander, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, paprika, cardamon chili powder, and sometimes cinnamon powder for a flavorful kick.
Herbs
One of my favorite ways to add flavor to rice pilaf is to stir in fresh herbs like parsley, lemon zest, or mint at the end of the cooking. This really brightens up the dish and gives it a beautiful fresh flavor.
Cheese
One other thing that can really change the flavor of rice pilaf is cheese. You can mix in shredded cheese, crumbled feta, or even some grated Parmesan cheese. This will give the dish a whole new dimension of flavor that everyone will love.
Fruits
You can add dried fruits to this rice dish, such as raisins or apricots, cranberries, and even some diced olives, adding some dried fruits helps add a touch of sweetness and makes it even more special. Once the rice is finished cooking you can top it with some sliced avocado
Nuts
Don’t forget about the options for nuts- toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or slivered almonds are always a nice addition to pilafs, they will add a nice crunch and some additional nutrients to the dish.
What to add to rice pilaf?
There are so many delicious things to add to your rice pilaf. You can try adding some crumbled feta cheese or chopped olives after cooking the rice. This addition gives the dish a Mediterranean flair that is absolutely delicious. Add some fruit, like raisins, apricot, or dried cranberries.
If you want a bit more protein in your dish, you could add some cooked chicken, lamb, beef, sauteed shrimp, or grilled fish. Some of my favorite spices include turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, ginger powder, fresh garlic, allspice, coriander, cinnamon, and clove. Onion, mushrooms, carrots, peas, and corn are also great for rice pilaf
What spices to add to rice pilaf for flavor?
One great option is to add some sauteed onions and garlic to the rice before adding stock to cook. This will give the rice a nice savory flavor that is perfect for pairing with just about anything. You can also add some more exotic flavors like bay leaves, saffron, or turmeric.
Another easy way to add flavor to your pilaf rice is to use chicken or beef broth instead of water. This will give the rice a rich, savory flavor.
What is served with pilaf?
Pilaf can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes. If you are serving it as a side, consider pairing it with roasted chicken breast, grilled fish, or sauteed vegetables. If you are looking to make a meal out of pilaf, add some protein such as cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or crumbled tofu. Another great thing to pair this delicious is guacamole. This makes the dish a bit more hearty and filling.