3 Easy and Delicious Rice Pilav Recipes from Around the World

If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine with flavored rice, why don’t you try rice pilav? This delicious dish, also known as pilaf or pulao, is a staple in many cuisines around the world and is sure to impress your taste buds.

But what exactly is rice pilav? Read on and learn more about rice pilav, its history, and international takes. Plus, discover delicious and easy rice pilav recipes from around the world you can try at home.

What is rice pilav

At its core, rice pilav is a simple but flavorful way of cooking rice with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. From there, the possibilities are endless – you can add vegetables, meat, nuts, and more to create a satisfying and delicious meal.

History of rice pilav

Watch the videos below from TransCultural Group (TCG) to learn about rice pilav’s history and other fun facts.

International takes on rice pilav

Rice pilav has countless international variations, each with its own unique flavors and variations.  

Persian Rice Pilaf (Chelo)

This dish is typically made with long-grain basmati rice, which is boiled and then steamed to create a fluffy texture. The rice is then topped with a layer of crispy, golden-brown crust (tahdig) made from yogurt, butter, or bread.

Indian Pulao

This fragrant and flavorful rice dish is made with aromatic spices, such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, and vegetables, meat, or seafood. Basmati rice is typically used, and the dish is often served with raita (yogurt sauce) or chutney.

Turkish Pilav

The Turkish pilav is made with short-grain rice, onions, and butter. It may also include meat, vegetables, or nuts. It is often flavored with spices, such as cumin, allspice, and cinnamon.

Greek Pilafi

This dish is made with long-grain rice, onions, and tomatoes. It is often served as a side dish with roasted meat or fish. It may also be made with orzo pasta instead of rice.

Lebanese Rice Pilaf

This dish is made with long-grain rice, vermicelli noodles, and butter. It is often flavored with cinnamon, allspice, and other spices. It is typically served with roasted or grilled meats and vegetables.

Rice pilav recipes

While the dish takes on many variations, here are three easy and delicious rice pilav recipes you can cook at home with your children and the whole family.

Classic Rice Pilaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: 

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures the rice doesn’t become sticky when cooked.
2. Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the rice and stir it for a few minutes until it’s slightly golden and fragrant.
3. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot and bring it to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the rice simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for about 5-10 minutes. This helps to let the rice absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffier.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Vermicelli Rice Pilaf Recipe

This Vermicelli Rice Pilaf recipe is a delicious twist on classic rice pilaf, with the addition of toasted vermicelli noodles adding a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to the dish. It pairs well with various main courses and can also be served as a standalone vegetarian meal. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup vermicelli noodles, broken into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the broken vermicelli noodles. Cook, stirring constantly, until the noodles turn golden brown.
2. Add the rice to the pot and stir until it is coated with the butter and noodles.
3. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
5. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffier.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Enjoy!

Masala Pulao Recipe

This fragrant and flavorful Indian rice dish is cooked with whole spices and a variety of vegetables. It is perfect as a side dish or can be served as a main course with raita or yogurt. 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 small carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice several times with cold water until the water runs clear, and then soak the rice in cold water for 20-30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, melt the ghee or butter over medium heat and add the whole spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add the diced onion, garlic, and grated ginger to the pot and sauté until the onions become translucent.
4. Add the diced carrot, bell pepper, and frozen peas to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. Drain the rice and add it to the pot with the vegetables. Stir the rice until it becomes coated with the spices and vegetables.
6. Add the water or vegetable broth to the pot and season with salt to taste.
7. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
8. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
9. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffier.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

Tips for making the perfect rice pilaf

To achieve the perfect rice pilaf, follow these simple tips and tricks that will help you make fluffy, flavorful rice every time.

1. Choose the correct type of rice. Long-grain white rice is the most commonly used type of rice for pilaf. Depending on your preference, other types, such as basmati or jasmine, can also be used.
2. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
3. Toast the rice in butter or oil before adding the liquid to enhance its flavor.
4. Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to add flavor to the rice.
5. Use the correct ratio of rice to liquid. The standard ratio is usually 1:2 or 1:2.5, depending on the type of rice you’re using.
6. Let the rice simmer over low heat to prevent it from becoming mushy or overcooked.
7. Let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffier.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork instead of stirring it to avoid breaking the grains.