Almond Rice Pilaf: A Wholesome Fluffy Delight for Family Dinners

Almond Rice Pilaf is a delightful, quick, and gluten-free dish that combines toasted almonds with pasta for a satisfying family side.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Resting Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Fluffy Base

2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Substitute with oil for dairy-free.
1 cup Long Grain White Rice Avoid quick-cooking or brown rice.

For the Crunch

1/2 cup Sliced Almonds Substitute with cashews or pecans if desired.
1/3 cup Broken Vermicelli or Orzo Pasta Thin spaghetti can be a great alternative.

For Flavor

2 1/4 cups Water or Chicken Stock Chicken stock is recommended for flavor.
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Use less if using table salt.

Equipment

Medium saucepan

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Almond Rice Pilaf

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until bubbling but not browning.
Add 1/3 cup of broken vermicelli or orzo and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the melted butter, stirring well for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
Carefully add 1 cup of long grain white rice to the pan and stir thoroughly, cooking for another minute.
Pour in 2 1/4 cups of water or chicken stock and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, bringing to a vigorous boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Remove from heat after 15 minutes but keep covered, allowing to rest for an additional 10 minutes.
Uncover and use a fork to fluff the rice, adjusting seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure proper resting time for optimal texture. Consider using chicken stock for a richer flavor or vegetable stock for a vegan option.

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