Rice Pilaf

Sure, you can use Near East or even the Riceroni version – which are surprisingly good – but here’s how to make you own authentic Rice Pilaf.

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1/2 white onion, diced
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric or saffron
5. 1/2 teaspoon oregano
6. 1/2 teaspoon paprika
7. 3 chicken stock
8. 1 & 1/2 cups medium grain rice
9. 1/2 cup orzo

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a 4 quart saucepan over medium heat. 
2. Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent. 
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, 30 seconds more. 
4. Add turmeric (or saffron), oregano, and paprika, and sauté until fragrant, 15 seconds more. 
5. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. 
6. Add rice and orzo. 
7. Cover, return to a boil then and reduce to a bare simmer. 
8. Cook covered until rice and orzo have absorbed all the liquid in the pot, 25-30 minutes.  No peaking; steam cooks rice.
9. Fluff with a fork and serve.