Whenever I make Greek food, I always love to serve a delicious and flavorful side dish to go with it. One of my all time favorites is Vegetable Rice Pilaf! The combination of long grain rice, peas, carrots, and the subtle flavor of chicken bouillon makes it a perfect companion for chicken skewers and tzatziki sauce. Plus, it’s super quick and easy to make just 20 minutes from start to finish! And if you happen to have leftovers, the kids will happily take it for lunch. It’s truly a family favorite.
Method
Heating the Oil and Rice
To start, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the washed long grain parboiled rice. Stir the rice gently but continuously to ensure that each grain gets lightly coated with the oil. This step not only helps to prevent sticking but also enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.
Boiling the Rice with Bouillon
Next, add the four cups of water to the pot along with the two chicken bouillon cubes. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon cubes into the water, creating a flavorful broth. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. You will notice the broth starting to bubble vigorously this indicates it’s ready to move to the next step.
Simmering the Rice
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the rice to simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb most of the broth and become tender. It’s important to keep the lid on during this step to trap the steam inside, helping the rice cook evenly.
Adding Vegetables
After the initial 10-minute simmer, remove the lid and add the frozen peas and carrots. Stir them gently into the partially cooked rice to distribute them evenly. These vegetables will add both color and subtle sweetness to the pilaf.
Final Simmer and Fluffing
Cover the pot again and continue to cook on low heat for another 10 minutes. After the second simmer, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for a few minutes to let any remaining steam finish the cooking process. Finally, remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice, separating the grains for a light and airy texture.
Necessary Tools
- Medium-sized pot with a lid
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
- Colander for washing rice
Vegetable Rice Pilaf Recipe
Cuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes20
minutes25
minutesIngredients
2 cups long grain parboiled rice (washed)
4 cups water
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cups frozen peas & carrots
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
- Add the washed rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with oil.
- Add water and chicken bouillon cubes. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, add the frozen peas and carrots. Stir to incorporate.
- Cover again and continue to cook for another 10 minutes on low heat.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Be sure to wash the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch this will keep the pilaf fluffy instead of sticky.
- Don’t lift the lid too often while the rice is cooking; the steam is essential for evenly cooked grains.
- Make sure to use the right ratio of water to rice to avoid undercooking or mushiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Vegetable Rice Pilaf alongside grilled chicken skewers, gyro meat, or fish. It’s also delicious with a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top. This pilaf pairs perfectly with Mediterranean dishes and adds a bright pop of color to your plate!
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word “pilaf” comes from the Persian word “pilāv”? It generally refers to rice cooked in a seasoned broth and is popular in many cuisines around the world.
Conclusion
Vegetable Rice Pilaf is a simple, quick, and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements a wide range of meals. Whether you’re serving it as part of a Greek inspired feast or just looking for a kid-friendly lunch option, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy your pilaf adventure!
