What Makes A Pilaf A Pilaf?
There are many different ways to prepare rice, and pilaf-style is just one of them. So, what sets it apart? The cooking method! Pilaf is prepared by cooking the rice in a type of broth, typically chicken or vegetable, instead of plain old water. Other ingredients like spices, butter, and cheese are typically added as well.
How Do You Melt Cheese in Rice?
It’s all about the timing! It is best to add the cheese to this dish just before serving. If you don’t, you could end up with burnt results that get stuck to the pan. Once your rice has cooked in the broth, remove it from heat. Add your Parmesan, stir, and serve with your main dish of choice!
Vegetarian Options
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian-friendly! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable. If you’re vegan, you can also use plant-based butter and cheese — nutritional yeast is a popular substitute for Parmesan. There are so many options out there today!
Rice Options
You can technically use any type of rice for cheesy rice pilaf, but we like long-grain white rice the best. Opt for:
BasmatiJasmine American white rice (flavorless)
Basmati and jasmine rice do feature a slight nutty or herbal flavor, but you can’t really taste it once you add in the butter and Parmesan cheese.
Troubleshooting: Why Is My Rice Pilaf Mushy?
It’s important to follow the instructions for this recipe very closely, or you could end up with mushy rice! While cheesy and mushy rice isn’t the worst thing in the world, no one likes super gluey results. You’ll likely end up with mushy rice if you use too much broth or if you don’t pay close attention to the cooking time. Make sure to use the correct quantities of rice and broth and follow the cooking instructions as written.
Serving Suggestions
One thing that we love about this side dish is that it can be paired with almost anything! Here are some of our favorite dishes to serve it with:
Roasted chickenEasy lemon baked cod fishThe best ever turkey burgerRoasted brussels sprouts and carrotsThe best grilled vegetables
…to give you a few ideas!
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze rice pilaf! Make sure to let it cool completely and skip out on adding the cheese for now. Place your dish in an airtight container and store it in the freezer where it will keep for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Transfer to a pan with a bit of olive oil or butter and heat over medium until warmed through. You can also add a bit of broth or water if you find that your rice is too dry. Once it’s hot, add in your Parmesan, and enjoy! If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious rice recipes:
Authentic Mexican RiceEasy Coconut RiceCilantro Lime Rice PilafEasy Spanish Rice
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