Description
A warm, buttery brown rice pilaf with nutty undertones, caramelized onions, and herbs—perfectly fluffy and packed with flavor. A wholesome Southern-inspired classic.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked long-grain brown rice (rinsed thoroughly)
2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional but golden and flavorful)
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup slivered almonds or toasted pine nuts
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped parsley or dill for garnish
Optional add-ins: finely diced carrots, peas, cranberries
Instructions
1. Heat your butter or olive oil over medium in a heavy-bottomed pot.
2. Toss in onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until translucent. Add your garlic, cumin, turmeric, and bay leaf. Stir for 60 seconds to release the aromatics.
3. Stir in the rinsed rice, coating every grain in the fragrant oil. Toast for 3–5 minutes until slightly golden and nutty.
4. Pour in the broth and a generous pinch of salt. Stir.
5. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 40 minutes—no peeking!
6. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
7. Fluff gently with a fork and fold in herbs and nuts if using.
8. Optional: Finish simmering in a 350°F oven for extra fluffiness using an oven-safe dish.
Notes
For variation, use mushroom stock for umami flavor.
Add-ins like roasted butternut squash or sun-dried tomatoes work great.
Rinse rice thoroughly and avoid lifting the lid during cooking for best texture.
Use oven-baking method for even heat distribution in larger batches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven (optional)
- Cuisine: Southern, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: brown rice, pilaf, healthy side, southern recipe, whole grain