Classic Rice Pilaf
Classic Rice Pilaf bakes to fluffy, separate grains scented with saffron and a gentle kick of cayenne. Butter, olive oil, and lightly browned onion add richness and aroma, while chicken stock infuses savory depth. Serve it alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables when you want a warmly spiced, reliable side that feels special yet familiar.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook45 mins
- Serves6
- DifficultyEasy
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Classic Rice Pilaf, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 54 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 0 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityGood
- 87 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 32
- Heart Health
- 60
- Metabolic
- 19
- Digestive
- 21
- Inflammatory
- 23
- Performance
- 42
- General Wellness
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- 2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and oil. Add the onion; cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- 3
Put the rice in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Add the onion and stir until the rice is well coated. Set the dish on a baking sheet.
- 4
In a saucepan, combine the chicken stock, salt, cayenne pepper, and saffron. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- 5
Pour the stock mixture over the rice in the baking dish and stir to combine. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Calories 320.82 kcal Moderate 16%
- Protein 6.04 g Moderate 12%
- Carbohydrate 54.13 g 20%
- Total Fat 8.45 g Moderate 11%
- Saturated Fat 3.3 g Moderate 17%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 10.49 mg Low Source 4%
- Sodium 244.29 mg Moderate 11%
- Dietary Fiber 1.83 g Low Source 7%
- Total Sugars 0.02 g --
- Added Sugars 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 3.51 mg Low Source 0%
- Iron 2.68 mg Moderate 15%
- Potassium 135.42 mg Low Source 3%
- Vitamin A 0.45 mcg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin C 1.6 mg Low Source 2%
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Classic Rice Pilaf is made with 8 ingredients and serves 6. It takes about 1 hr and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Butter, Cayenne Pepper, Chicken Stock, and Diced Yellow Onion. Each serving provides about 320.82 kcal.
Recipe Questions
- What is Classic Rice Pilaf made of?
- The main ingredients are Butter, Cayenne Pepper, Chicken Stock, Diced Yellow Onion, Long-Grain Rice. The full list of 8 is above.
- How long does it take to make Classic Rice Pilaf?
- About 1 hr in total: 15 mins to prepare and 45 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 320.82 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Classic Rice Pilaf easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 8 ingredients and 6 steps.
- Is Classic Rice Pilaf healthy?
- Classic Rice Pilaf has an easyChef Pro health score of 44/100. Per serving, it provides 320.82 calories and 6.04 g of protein, or 12% of the Daily Value. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 244.29 mg (11% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 3.3 g (17% of the Daily Value). It contains Milk and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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