Rice Pilaf
Toasting the rice and pasta gives this pilaf an extra boost of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup dried orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves (from about 8 sprigs, optional)
- Place 1 cup long-grain white rice in a medium bowl and add enough cold water to cover. Swish the grains around with your hands, then drain through a fine-mesh strainer. Let sit in the strainer to drain well.
- Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 finely chopped medium yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 cup dried orzo pasta and cook, stirring often, until golden-brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook, stirring often, until starting to turn translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil. Stir once more, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook until the rice and orzo are tender, 15 to 18 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves if using. Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed.

