Homemade Rice Pilaf (Healthy Rice-a-Roni)
User Reviews
4.7
Homemade Rice Pilaf (Healthy Rice-a-Roni)
Description
Homemade Rice Pilaf (Healthy Rice-a-Roni) starts by melting butter (or olive oil for dairy-free option) and toasting broken angel hair spaghetti pieces with uncooked brown rice. This toasting crisps the pasta edges slightly and slightly enhances the nuttiness of the brown rice. Next, chicken broth is added and brought to a boil before simmering the mixture covered until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed. After resting, fluffing with a fork separates grains for a light texture.
The combination of browned pasta and the chewy bite of brown rice creates a pleasing variety of textures. The broth adds deeper flavor than plain water would. The optional parsley garnish adds a fresh note and color contrast. Because the recipe uses common pantry staples and requires minimal preparation, it can be an adaptable side for various meals.
To adapt, dairy-free eaters can use olive oil instead of butter. Substituting gluten-free pasta maintains gluten-free status. The toasted pasta gives the dish a distinct flavor compared to plain cooked rice, making it a practical choice when seeking a mildly savory but flavorful rice side.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons butter ((use olive oil for dairy free))
- 1/4 cup angel hair spaghetti wheat, whole wheat or gluten-free, 3/4 ounce, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup brown rice such as Uncle Ben’s, uncooked, 10 minute instant
- 2 cups chicken broth ((or water and chicken bouillon))
- Optional (chopped parsley for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a deep skillet with a fitted lid over medium heat.
- When the butter is melted, add the broken spaghetti and rice. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes, until slightly toasted.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Notes
- Use olive oil instead of butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Opt for gluten-free broken angel hair pasta to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs.
- Chopped parsley can be added as a garnish to enhance flavor and appearance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 87 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/2 cup | |
| Calories | 87kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 2.5g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 292.5mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.5g | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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