Savory Rice Pilaf Fluffy (Printable)

Fragrant rice simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices, perfect as a light side or main.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine), rinsed

→ Aromatics & Vegetables

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
06 - 1 celery stalk, diced

→ Liquids

07 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
12 - 1 bay leaf

→ Optional Garnishes

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts

# How-to Steps:

01 - Warm the butter or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
02 - Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute to release aroma.
04 - Stir rinsed rice into the pan and cook for 2 minutes, coating grains with fat to lightly toast.
05 - Sprinkle salt, black pepper, ground cumin, turmeric, and add bay leaf; stir to evenly distribute.
06 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to complete cooking.
09 - Discard the bay leaf, fluff rice with a fork, and gently mix in parsley and toasted nuts if desired.
10 - Present the pilaf warm as a flavorful side or light main.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • Each grain stays perfectly separate and fluffy, never mushy or clumpy—that toasting step is pure magic
  • The warm spices fill your kitchen with a fragrance that makes people ask what you're cooking before they even sit down
  • It's genuinely foolproof once you understand the rice-to-liquid ratio, and it scales beautifully for crowds
02 -
  • Never skip rinsing the rice—this single step is the difference between fluffy individual grains and a gluey mess that nobody wants to eat.
  • The rice-to-liquid ratio is exactly 1 to 2 by volume, and once you understand this, you can scale this recipe up or down with complete confidence.
  • Lifting the lid during cooking releases steam and disrupts the cooking process—trust the timing and resist peeking, I promise it's worth it.
03 -
  • If you don't have vegetable broth on hand, water works perfectly fine—the aromatics and spices create plenty of flavor without needing fancy stock.
  • Toasting your nuts (if using) in a dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes before sprinkling them on top adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor that feels indulgent without any extra effort.

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