Name: Orzo Rice Pilaf
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1/2 cup orzo pasta; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Description

This delicious orzo rice pilaf is the perfect quick and easy side dish. Fluffy rice and tender orzo pasta come together for a tasty recipe that is simple to make!

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice
1/2 cup orzo pasta
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large skillet, add the butter and heat over medium heat until melted.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional one minute until fragrant.
Add the rice and orzo and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice begins to turn golden brown.
Add the vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf and stir to combine.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the rice and orzo simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice and orzo are tender.
Once the rice and orzo are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it sit covered for about 5 minutes. This allows the steam to continue cooking the rice and orzo and makes them fluffy.
Remove the bay leaf, fluff the pilaf with a fork to separate the grains, and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.