Description
Cheesy Rice Pilaf is a rich and comforting side dish that features fluffy long-grain rice, melted Gruyère cheese, and a medley of fresh herbs. It’s the perfect complement to any main course or a satisfying dish on its own.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (preferably basmati)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (about 6 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the grated garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the grains are lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15–20 minutes.
- In a separate small saucepan, whisk together the flour and milk over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked rice, stirring to coat evenly.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting consistency.
- Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Customize with your favorite herbs and vegetables for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg