The spice combinations for rice pilaf are only limited by your imagination.
Pilaf, also called pilau, is a method of cooking rice or bulghur rather than a specific recipe. To prepare a pilaf, a rice or bulghur is sauteed in a pan with butter or oil. A flavorful cooking liquid is added to the grain which simmers, covered on a stove or baked in the oven. This dish from the Near East is highly versatile, adapting to many cuisines. Changing the spices used in the dish transforms it to a side dish to match any main entree.
Subtle and Savory
Bright strands of saffron infuse the rice with a brilliant yellow coloring. The subtle, savory flavor of saffron pairs well with the blank canvas of plain, white rice used for rice pilaf. Few other spices are needed when adding saffron as these can overwhelm saffron's delicate flavor, but sauteing the rice with chopped onions and peppers, pine nuts or carrots will add more flavor and a slight sweetness without overpowering the saffron.
Latin Love
A rice pilaf side dish for enchiladas, tacos or tamales needs flavors to match the Latin entree. Add ground cumin to your rice pilaf. This savory spice comes from cumin seeds. If you purchase the seeds whole, toast them in a dry skillet until they become fragrant, then grind the seeds in a spice grinder. Saute peppers and onions with the rice, and use tomato sauce for the with ground cumin added to the sauce. Instead of cumin, prepare taco rice by using a packaged taco seasoning mix stirred into the tomato sauce. If you use a packaged mix, opt for sodium-free tomato sauce as the seasoning mix will contain salt.
Indian Inspired
Add curry powder mix to chicken or vegetable broth for cooking the rice pilaf. Packaged curry powder spice blends use a mixture of coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon and other spices. The turmeric in the mixture will color the rice yellow, and the other spices will add a savory heat to the dish. Use a curry powder mix you have used before, since the spiciness level of the mixture can vary widely between brand. Look for curry powder spice in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. If desired, add cooked chickpeas into the just before serving.
Asian Accented
When serving rice pilaf with Asian-inspired dishes, opt for adding Asian spices such as five-spice blend or star anise to the cooking liquid. These spices, and soy sauce or rice wine added to the cooking liquid, create a rice dish for serving instead of steamed white rice with any Asian entree, especially Asian-American foods such as egg rolls or chop suey. Stir in sliced water chestnuts, cooked green peas, scrambled egg and green onions into the rice before serving for a no-fry fried rice.
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