Authentic Rice Pilaf Recipe

Discover the secret to unbelievably fluffy and flavorful Armenian rice pilaf! This authentic recipe, passed down from generations, creates a side dish that's perfect for any occasion. The key is patience – don't lift the lid! This California-inspired recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality pilaf in your own kitchen.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 335.4 kcal
Protein 14g
Rating 5.0 (8 Reviews)
Authentic Rice Pilaf 89

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Authentic Rice Pilaf

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How to Make Authentic Rice Pilaf

  1. Melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add 1/2 cup of vermicelli pasta, broken into smaller pieces, and sauté until golden brown, stirring frequently (about 3-5 minutes).
  3. Add 1 cup of long-grain rice (such as basmati), stirring to combine with the vermicelli and butter.
  4. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of water. Stir well to distribute the liquid evenly.
  5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  6. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 25 minutes.
  7. After 25 minutes, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Serve hot and enjoy!
  8. **Do not lift the lid during cooking!** This is crucial for perfectly fluffy rice.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

24 g

Sugar

2g

Fat

50g

Carbs

12g