My kid’s joke with me that if I was to ever go on the TV show ‘Survivor’, I would be able to survive on rice.
It is true. I am a HUGE rice fan.
In fact, my Mom says that even as a young toddler I was consuming loads of rice!
Why do I love this Vegan Rice Pilaf?
When I cut dairy and gluten out of my diet, rice pilaf went with it. I used to make a recipe similar to this all the time but it had a lot of butter in it.
When I found this brand of butter (not sponsored, I just really LOVE this vegan butter!!) I decided to try to make a rice pilaf with it. The first couple of times I made it, it turned out really mushy… I finally figured out the correct liquid to rice/pasta ratio and I was in rice heaven.
Something about a rice pilaf dish brings me good happy memories of growing up.
Although this vegan rice pilaf uses vegan butter, the orzo pasta does have gluten. If you are eating a gluten-free diet, be on the lookout for gluten-free orzo pasta. My store does not carry it but I know it can be found.
How to make this Vegan Rice Pilaf in 5 easy steps?
- Grab a large stockpot or pan and start browning the orzo. You will sauté it in the vegan butter for about 5 minutes. When orzo is brown, add in rice and stir.
- Add in all liquids and stir. At this point, you will also add in seasonings.
- Bring to a boil, stir it, then lower the heat to low, and cover your pot with a lid. Here is the hard part: don’t open or touch that lid for at least 10 minutes.
- At that point, if all liquid is absorbed, put the lid back on and remove from heat. You are going to let it sit for another 10 minutes.
- Remove lid, taste and add in any salt or pepper to taste, and fluff with a fork and enjoy!
I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do!
Vegan Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 Cups water
- 1 Cup orzo pasta
- 1 Cup white long grain rice
- 2 Tbsp vegan butter coconut oil also works
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large stockpot or saucepan, sauté the vegan butter on medium-high heat. Add in the orzo pasta and stir until the pasta starts to brown. Be careful not to burn it.
- Stir in rice, vegetable broth, and water and then stir well to combine. Next, add in seasonings and any salt or pepper if desired.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stir, and turn the heat down to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and keep it covered for 10-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid for at least 10 minutes.
- Check at the 10-minute mark to see if all liquids have been absorbed. Stir the rice pilaf. If all the liquid is absorbed, cover and remove from heat and let sit for another 10 minutes.If there is still liquid, keep the heat on low until all liquid is absorbed, and then remove from heat and let sit.
- Once ready to eat, fluff with a fork and season with any salt and pepper as desired. Enjoy!
If pinning this recipe on Pinterest, please feel free to use this image:
This dish was so easy and tasted delicious! Like you, I love rice and was pleased to have another way to enjoy it. Paired it with some sautéed veggies.
Yummy! That is a perfect combo. Thank you for sharing the comment, it is great to hear you enjoyed it.
Great and easy recipe. I did some vegan impossible meat kabobs to go with this.Tasted great. Definitely going to make this rice once a week.
That is so great to hear! I am glad you like it as much as I do. Enjoy!