63 rice pilaf recipes

One-pot brown basmati rice pilaf loaded with mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. A dump-and-simmer weeknight dinner using whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Spicy rice pilaf with olives, mushrooms, Parmesan, and a triple-sauce punch of salsa, hot sauce, and Pickapeppa. A bold, cheesy side dish simmered on the stovetop.

Italian pistachio pilaf with basmati rice, seitan, sweet bell peppers, fennel, scallions, and a generous cup of pistachios. A vegetarian Mediterranean main with serious Italian-sausage flavor.

Middle Eastern rice pilaf with cashews, raisins, dried apricots, and warm spices like cardamom and turmeric. A fragrant side dish with caramelized onions and a sweet-savory balance.

Indian lima bean stew (dalna) with cumin, coconut, tomato, ginger, and fresh dill. Inspired by Orissan mung bean dalna, this vegan one-pot dish pairs with rice pilaf.

Orange rice pilaf cooked in fresh orange juice with orange zest, celery, thyme, and sauteed onions. A bright, citrusy side dish that pairs with poultry, pork, and holiday roasts.

Fragrant basmati rice cooked with garam masala, ginger, garlic, and chiles, then topped with toasted walnuts, cashews, dried apricots, prunes, and coconut. An Indian-inspired pilaf served with plum sauce.

Earthy brown rice pilaf with mushrooms, toasted walnuts, balsamic vinegar, and a splash of aromatic bitters. A savory, lighter side dish with bold flavor that pairs with just about anything.

Lemon orzo pilaf is a five-ingredient one-pot side of rice-shaped pasta simmered in chicken broth with basil and lemon zest. Ready in 30 minutes. Bright, simple weeknight starch.

Stuffed monster zucchini is the answer to a giant garden zucchini: halved, hollowed, and packed with a savory cumin-thyme rice and lentil pilaf, then baked until tender. A hearty, frugal vegan main.

Round steak slices rolled around a spiced vegetable stuffing with cinnamon, browned in olive oil, and braised low and slow in tomato sauce until fork tender. Serve over rice pilaf or spaghetti.

Gujar Ka Pullao (Indian carrot rice pilaf): fragrant basmati cooked with caramelized onions, grated carrots, and whole spices like cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and cumin. A vibrant, naturally vegan side from Northern India.

Ryzi me araka: traditional Greek rice and peas simmered with onion and olive oil in a one-pot pilaf. Simple, vegan, and a no-fuss weeknight side from the Greek home-cooking playbook.

Fluffy couscous pilaf with toasted coriander seeds, red bell pepper, cayenne, and cinnamon, finished with fresh mint. Served with a blended saffron cream of Neufchatel cheese and yogurt.

Shereen Polo is a Persian jeweled rice pilau with saffron, julienned carrots, orange peel, almonds, pistachios, and rose water in sugar syrup. Served with crispy tahdig and a side of chicken stew.