Best 11 Spiced Brown Rice Pilaf Recipes

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When it comes to flavorful and versatile side dishes, spiced brown rice pilaf stands out as a true culinary delight. This dish combines the goodness of brown rice with a symphony of spices, creating a tantalizing and aromatic experience that elevates any meal. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight dinner option or a showstopping side dish for special occasions, spiced brown rice pilaf is guaranteed to impress. With its nutty flavor, chewy texture, and vibrant colors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

HOME-STYLE BROWN RICE PILAF



Home-Style Brown Rice Pilaf image

This is comfort food at its best with mild flavors and it's simple to make. This is a very versatile dish: if you prefer, you can use almonds in place of the cashews, and cilantro in place of the parsley.

Provided by Candice

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 ½ cups water
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup uncooked brown rice
3 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
1 cup chickpeas
2 eggs, beaten
freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup chopped cashews

Steps:

  • Bring 1-1/2 cups water to boil, add rice. Bring contents back to a boil, cover the pot and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until rice is tender.
  • Approximately 20 minutes before rice is finished cooking heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions and saute them, stirring frequently until they soften. Add the garlic and carrots and continue stirring for 5 minutes.
  • Place mushrooms inside of skillet and cook until mushrooms begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Add the chickpeas and cook 1 more minute.
  • When the rice is finished cooking pour the eggs into the skillet and cook the mixture, stirring constantly until the eggs are cooked. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in pepper, parsley, and nuts.
  • Spoon the cooked rice into the skillet and stir well. Serve the pilaf hot with soy sauce on the side for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 409.3 calories, Carbohydrate 54 g, Cholesterol 115.9 mg, Fat 17.1 g, Fiber 6.7 g, Protein 12.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 653.3 mg, Sugar 6.9 g

BROWN RICE PILAF



Brown Rice Pilaf image

I love this pilaf! I never liked brown rice until I tried it this way. It goes with just about anything, and the leftovers (when there are any) reheat well, too.

Provided by Halcyon Eve

Categories     Brown Rice

Time 55m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup long grain brown rice (not instant)
2 1/2 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth or 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
salt & pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until onion is golden, about 5 minutes.
  • Add rice and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste; bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 45-50 minutes. Check rice occasionally and add water if necessary.
  • Uncover and let rice stand for 5 minutes before serving.

SPICED BROWN RICE PILAF



Spiced Brown Rice Pilaf image

Our Barbecued Salmon Fillets are served on top of this brown-rice pilaf, which is flavored with white wine and vegetables and spiced with paprika, turmeric, and cumin.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains     Rice Recipes

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 teaspoons canola oil
1 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 small carrots, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 stalk celery, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups brown rice
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add wine, and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, and set aside to cool.
  • Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Stir in rice, and cook until tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain, and add to bowl of vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, turmeric, and cumin.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 213 g, Fat 3 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 6 g, Sodium 203 g

TASTY SPICY RICE PILAF



Tasty Spicy Rice Pilaf image

This recipe makes a delicious side dish. Goes good with meats and veggies. It's a tasty rice with a little bit of spice! I LOVE garlic, so if you don't like it as much as I do, then just add 2 cloves instead of 6.

Provided by Luv2Cook

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
1 roasted red pepper, diced
6 mushrooms, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked instant rice
3 cups chicken stock
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat; cook and stir onion, red pepper, mushrooms, and garlic until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in rice. Add chicken stock; cover and boil until liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 287.4 calories, Carbohydrate 49.8 g, Cholesterol 15.8 mg, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 937.4 mg, Sugar 4.1 g

HERBED BROWN RICE PILAF



Herbed Brown Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h7m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon butter
1 shallot, chopped
1 cup long-grain brown rice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 1/2 cups chicken broth or water, warmed
1 clove garlic, smashed
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 green onions, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and saute until tender. Add the rice and stir until the rice is glossy and coated with the butter. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the stock, garlic and thyme. Cover with a tight fitting lid. Cook 40 minutes, turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the thyme sprigs and garlic. Fluff with a fork and add parsley and green onions.

RICE PILAF



Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus 2 pinches
2 cups long-grain white rice
1 pinch saffron, steeped in 1/4 cup hot but not boiling water
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1-by-2-inch strip orange zest
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup peas, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350.
  • Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucier over medium heat.
  • Stir in the onion, bell pepper and 2 pinches of salt.
  • Decrease the heat to low and sweat until the onion is translucent and aromatic but not browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add the rice. Cook, stirring frequently, until you smell nuts, another 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the saffron and its water, the broth, orange zest, bay leaves and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Increase the heat and bring to a boil.
  • OK, now the weird part: Thoroughly wet a clean towel, kill the heat, scatter the peas on top of the rice, then place the towel across the top of the saucier. Top with the lid, then fold the towel corners up over the lid.
  • Transfer the saucier (towel and all) to the oven and bake 15 minutes.
  • Remove and rest at room temperature for 15 more minutes without opening the lid.
  • Fish out the orange zest and bay leaves. Turn the pilaf out onto a platter, fluff with a large fork and garnish with the raisins and pistachios. Serve family-style, right in the middle of the table.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calorie, Fat 5 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Cholesterol 5 milligrams, Sodium 524 milligrams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fiber 1.5 grams, Protein 7 grams, Sugar 5 grams

SEASONED BROWN RICE PILAF



Seasoned Brown Rice Pilaf image

For those of us who are white rice lovers at heart, this recipe makes brown rice taste great! Everyone takes seconds; it is that good. It is so easy to prepare. To convert for vegetarians, just substitute veggie broth for the beef broth. Any leftovers are delicious the next day. -Amy Berry, Poland, Maine

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h5m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups uncooked brown rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
5 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add rice and onion; saute until rice is lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Add broth; stir in the next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 35 minutes. Add orzo. Cook, covered, until orzo is tender, 10-15 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190 calories, Fat 3g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 380mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges

SPICED RICE PILAF



Spiced Rice Pilaf image

Fragrant with spices of the Middle East. This would go great with not only Middle Eastern food, but Indian food as well. You can find rose water (an optional ingredient) in Indian/Pakistani grocers, as well as some pharmacies.

Provided by PalatablePastime

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 35m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup long grain rice
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can vegetable broth or 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken broth
1/4 cup water
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1/4 cup golden raisin
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Steps:

  • In large saucepan, cook onion in olive oil until tender. Stir in rice and spices. Cook, stirring constantly, until rice begins to turn golden.
  • Pour in broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift lid while cooking.
  • Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes undisturbed.
  • Then add the chopped spinach, raisins, and almonds, stirring, and fluffing with a fork. Sprinkle with rose water, and fluff a little bit more, if desired.

BROWN RICE PILAF



Brown Rice Pilaf image

Brown rice, a whole grain, contains all the nutrients and essential parts of the entire grain seed. It adds almost three times as much heart-healthy fiber to this mild-flavored brown rice pilaf as white would. Consider enjoying its slightly nutty flavor often in family recipes. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/4 cups uncooked brown rice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, saute onion and green pepper in oil until tender. Add rice and garlic; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until rice is lightly browned. Add the water, broth, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 181 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 99mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BROWN RICE PILAF WITH SAFFRON AND GINGER



Brown Rice Pilaf with Saffron and Ginger image

Provided by Rebecca Katz

Categories     Ginger     Rice     Side     Dinner     Spice     Saffron     Healthy     Advance Prep Required     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Vegan     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 teaspoon warm water
1/8 teaspoon saffron
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon diced shallot
1 cup brown basmati rice, soaked, rinsed, and drained well
1 3/4 cups water or vegetable broth, homemade or store-bought
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 (1-inch) piece unpeeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Combine the warm water and saffron in a small bowl. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and saffron and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice is evenly coated with the oil. Stir in the water, salt, and ginger. Increase the heat, cover, and bring to a boil. Decrease the heat to low and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Check after 20 minutes; if there are steam holes on the top, it's ready. Remove ginger. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley and fluff with a fork to combine.

SPICED RICE PILAF



Spiced Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Chitra Joshi

Categories     Rice     Side     Low Sodium     Low/No Sugar     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Summer     Cinnamon     Clove     Bon Appétit     Texas     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Vegan     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cinnamon stick, broken into 3 pieces
4 whole cloves
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water

Steps:

  • Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cinnamon and cloves and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add onion and cook until beginning to brown, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add rice and stir to coat with onion mixture. Mix in water and bring to boil. Cover pan, reduce heat to low and cook until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff pilaf with fork. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the pilaf will taste. Look for fresh, flavorful vegetables, and high-quality rice.
  • Toast the rice before cooking: This helps to bring out the nutty flavor of the rice and gives the pilaf a more complex flavor.
  • Use a flavorful broth: The broth is a key component of the pilaf, so make sure to use a broth that is full of flavor. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a combination of the two.
  • Add spices and herbs: Spices and herbs add flavor and depth to the pilaf. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find one that you like. Some popular spices and herbs to use include cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric.
  • Cook the pilaf until the rice is tender: The rice should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. If the rice is overcooked, it will become mushy.
  • Fluff the pilaf before serving: This helps to separate the grains of rice and make the pilaf light and fluffy.

Conclusion:

Spiced brown rice pilaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of flavorful spices, tender rice, and vegetables, this pilaf is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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