Get ready to elevate your meal with a mouthwatering Rice Pilaf with Corn that's so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance! This simple yet sophisticated dish combines the perfect balance of fluffy rice, sweet corn, and aromatic seasonings that will turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend chef, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with oil, toasting them lightly for 1-2 minutes. This helps enhance the rice's nutty flavor and prevents clumping.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add corn kernels to the pan. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the seasoning is well distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice pilaf stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice and help it become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving, gently separating the grains and mixing the corn throughout.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and ensures each grain remains separate and fluffy.
- Toasting the rice in oil before adding liquid is a game-changer - it enhances the nutty flavor and gives your pilaf a more complex taste profile.
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen corn for the best texture and sweetness. If using frozen corn, no need to thaw - add directly to the pan.
- A tight-fitting lid is crucial for perfect rice. It traps steam and ensures even cooking.
- Let the pilaf rest after cooking. Those extra 5 minutes allow steam to redistribute, making your rice perfectly tender throughout.
- For added richness, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth, or add a pat of butter when fluffing the rice.
- Experiment with garnishes like chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to personalize your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
