Add a touch of elegance to your meal with this flavorful Mushroom Pilaf. This dish combines tender long-grain rice with earthy cremini mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a hint of vermicelli or orzo for a delightful texture. Perfect as a side dish for roasted meats or grilled vegetables, this Mushroom Pilaf is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- Chicken Broth: 2 2/3 cups, low sodium
- Butter: 1/3 cup, unsalted
- Kosher Sea Salt: 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp, ground
- Paprika: 1/8 tsp
- Onion Powder: a pinch
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Carrot: 1 large, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch cubes
- Vermicelli or Orzo: 1/3 cup
- Long Grain White Rice: 1 cup
- Cremini Mushrooms: 10 medium, sliced and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Parsley: 1 tbsp, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
- Hold it at a warm temperature until you’re ready to use it.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Pour olive oil into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat.
- Add the diced carrot and cook until slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toast the Vermicelli/Orzo:
- Add the vermicelli or orzo to the skillet and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Rice:
- Stir in the long grain white rice, ensuring it is well coated with the oil and combined with the other ingredients.
- Season and Simmer:
- Season the mixture with kosher sea salt, garlic powder, ground black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
- Pour the warm chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fluff the pilaf with a fork and stir in the freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot as a flavorful side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Conclusion
This Mushroom Pilaf is a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. The combination of tender rice, savory mushrooms, and aromatic spices creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. Enjoy this dish as part of a cozy family dinner or as a sophisticated accompaniment to a special occasion feast.