This homemade rice pilaf recipe is quick and easy, and chances are good that you have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now!
I don’t know about you, but I’m no stranger to boxed rice mixes. Before I started The Weary Chef, a meat, roasted vegetable, and some sort of Rice-a-Roni was dinner at least once or twice every week. While it is easy to grab a box of seasoned rice mix to accompany most any meal, that box also includes lots of sodium, preservatives, and other ingredients you might be better off avoiding.
That’s why I started making my own rice side dishes more often, like this simple rice pilaf recipe loaded with sweet peas and dill. This is a very simple side dish that goes great with just about any meat. I usually have all the ingredients in my kitchen at any given time. Use fresh dill and parsley if you have it, but dried works fine too. The only amounts you need to stick to strictly are the rice and liquid. You can adjust the herbs or add in other things like finely diced carrots or slivered almonds if that’s your thing. Make it your own, and I bet you’ll be making this easy rice pilaf on the regular!
Heat oil over medium heat in a medium pot. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté one minute longer.
Stir in rice, and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add broth, salt, pepper, dill, and parsley. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook 10 minutes.
Stir in frozen peas, and simmer an additional 10-12 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
I have a love affair with rice. It’s true. That’s why I have an entire rice bowl category of dinner recipes, and here are a couple other rice side dishes I know you’ll like!
Avocado Lime RiceCheddar Chive Rice
Andi Gleeson
Andi Gleeson is a passionate blogger and mom based in San Francisco who focuses on easy and delicious dinner recipes.
18 comments
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie
10 years ago
What a perfect side dish!! I know we will be making this a lot in the future. YUM!
Andi Gleeson
10 years ago
Thanks so much, Becky! It’s a good one to keep in mind when you just want something simple and easy.
Nutmeg Nanny
10 years ago
What a flavor packed rice pilaf! Dill is so under used and totally flavorful. So good!
Andi Gleeson
10 years ago
Thanks so much!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
10 years ago
I would eat this for a meal all by itself! Looks great!
Andi Gleeson
10 years ago
I could too. Thank you, Nancy!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files
10 years ago
Oh gosh those boxed rice and pasta mixes still make an appearance at my parents…we actually had one a few weeks ago when nI was staying with them when our kitchen was being redone. And not gonna lie…it was pretty darn good but I love your idea of making our own! Definitely gonna have to had this to our menu!
Andi Gleeson
10 years ago
Heck yes they’re good! Those food scientists know what they are doing. ;) This rice is good too though, and healthy too.
Beth
10 years ago
I always forget how much I like dill! It’s a great herb to spice up rice!
Andi Gleeson
10 years ago
I love it too, Beth. Thanks!
Ceil allard
10 years ago
These both look delicious. I love rice, peas and avacodos some this one will be relished.
Andi Gleeson
10 years ago
Thanks so much, Ceil. Glad you found some good recipes to try!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
10 years ago
Right! Those boxes are loaded with sodium! This recipe is such a perfect substitute and still super easy! Love it!
Andi Gleeson
10 years ago
Thank you, Krista!
Donna
10 years ago
Which one to make first?????????
These all look delicious!. Actually I was just in the pantry looking for a box of rice..this will do nicely.
Andi Gleeson
10 years ago
I hope you enjoy whichever recipe you pick. Thanks so much, Donna!
Yvonne @ StoneGable
12 years ago
Now this is my kinda rice! Love the addition of dill! YUMMY!
18 comments
What a perfect side dish!! I know we will be making this a lot in the future. YUM!
Thanks so much, Becky! It’s a good one to keep in mind when you just want something simple and easy.
What a flavor packed rice pilaf! Dill is so under used and totally flavorful. So good!
Thanks so much!
I would eat this for a meal all by itself! Looks great!
I could too. Thank you, Nancy!
Oh gosh those boxed rice and pasta mixes still make an appearance at my parents…we actually had one a few weeks ago when nI was staying with them when our kitchen was being redone. And not gonna lie…it was pretty darn good but I love your idea of making our own! Definitely gonna have to had this to our menu!
Heck yes they’re good! Those food scientists know what they are doing. ;) This rice is good too though, and healthy too.
I always forget how much I like dill! It’s a great herb to spice up rice!
I love it too, Beth. Thanks!
These both look delicious. I love rice, peas and avacodos some this one will be relished.
Thanks so much, Ceil. Glad you found some good recipes to try!
Right! Those boxes are loaded with sodium! This recipe is such a perfect substitute and still super easy! Love it!
Thank you, Krista!
Which one to make first?????????
These all look delicious!. Actually I was just in the pantry looking for a box of rice..this will do nicely.
I hope you enjoy whichever recipe you pick. Thanks so much, Donna!
Now this is my kinda rice! Love the addition of dill! YUMMY!
Thanks so much, Yvonne!