When you’re preparing a simple entree for dinner, it’s sometimes nice to have a rice dish on the side that is a little fancier and more flavorful than plain rice. It’s not too hard to take a few minutes to add some different flavors to your rice and make it more interesting on the dinner plate. Here is a great rice pilaf recipe that goes very nicely with broiled fish or chicken.
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup long grain white rice
1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is beginning to foam (butter) or shimmer (oil), add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Saute until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and continue to saute until it begins to brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the onion and rice to your rice cooker. Add the chicken or vegetable stock and set the cooker for the regular white rice setting. When the rice is done, stir in the parsley and lemon juice and taste to see if more salt and pepper is needed.
This is one of the most versatile rice cooker recipes ever; you can jazz up your pilaf with add-ins like garbanzo beans, frozen peas, raisins, or nuts if you’re feeling creative.
