Best California Pilaf Recipes

THREE-GRAIN PILAF

Three-Grain Pilaf image

This an old family recipe that everyone still looks forward to. The satisfying combination of brown rice, pearl barley and bulgur makes this tasty side dish special enough for company. -Mary Knudson of Bermuda Dunes, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 55m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
2/3 cup shredded carrot
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup uncooked brown rice
1/3 cup uncooked medium pearl barley
1/3 cup uncooked bulgur
2 cups vegetable or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup sherry, optional
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh basil or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion and carrot in oil for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the rice, barley and bulgur; saute for 4 minutes or until grains are lightly browned. , Gradually add broth and sherry if desired. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; stir in oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until grains are tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in parsley and sprinkle with almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 498mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SAN FRANCISCO PILAF

San Francisco Pilaf image

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Categories side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper, plus additional for seasoning
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup broken vermicelli, 1-inch pieces
1 cup long-grain rice, such as Canilla
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

Combine the chicken broth, butter, salt and pepper in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, cover, then hold at a low simmer over medium-low heat.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a high-sided, lidded saute pan. Add the vermicelli and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown all over, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until the grains turn from pale white to bright white, 5 to 7 minutes.
Carefully pour the simmering broth mixture over the rice and vermicelli. Scrape down the sides of the pan, making sure that all of the rice is submerged in broth. Bring to a low simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking until all of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 more minutes.
Add the parsley and fluff the pilaf with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot.