Description
A traditional Greek rice pilaf, known as Pilafi, made with long-grain rice, chicken stock, and butter, creating a fluffy and flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (like Carolina rice)
- 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the rinsed and drained rice to the saucepan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the grains are coated in butter and slightly translucent. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy pilaf.
- Pour in the chicken stock (or vegetable stock).
- Add the salt and black pepper. Stir once to combine everything.
- Bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting (simmer).
- Cover the saucepan tightly with the lid. Do not lift the lid during the cooking process.
- Simmer the rice for exactly 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for an additional 10 minutes. This steaming process allows the rice to finish cooking perfectly and become fluffy.
- Remove the lid. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice.
- Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using), and serve hot as a side dish to meat, poultry, or fish.
Notes
- **Type of Rice:** Traditional Greek Pilafi uses long-grain rice, often labeled as ‘Carolina rice’ in Greece, which holds its shape well. Avoid short-grain or starchy risotto rice.
- **Rinsing Rice:** Rinsing is essential to remove starch, ensuring a fluffy, non-sticky pilaf.
- **Stock Variation:** If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use beef stock, or for a vegetarian option, use vegetable stock or water. Ensure the stock is warm before adding it, though room temperature is also fine.
- **Flavor Enhancements:** For added flavor, you can sauté a small diced onion or garlic clove in the butter before adding the rice.
- **Serving Suggestion:** Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top for a classic Greek finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (15 min cook + 10 min rest)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering (Pilaf)
- Cuisine: Greek