Simple and Nutritious Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf Recipe
Jasmine rice pilaf is a classic and easy-to-make dish that can complement any main course. It’s a staple food in many cultures, and there are countless versions of pilaf recipes worldwide. If you’re looking for a hearty yet easy meal that’s packed with nutrients, brown jasmine rice pilaf is the way to go!
One of my personal favorites is the Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf recipe – an aromatic and tasty dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. This recipe is healthy, nutritious, and easy to customize to any personal taste. Plus, it only takes 45 minutes to make from start to finish.
Brown jasmine rice pilaf is also incredibly versatile – you can add all sorts of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and spices to achieve the perfect flavor combination. One of my favorite variations includes a mix of pecans and raisins for sweetness and crunchiness.
Another reason why I love this dish is that it uses brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients than white rice because it’s richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, brown jasmine rice has a unique nutty flavor and aroma that can elevate the taste of any recipe.
In this article, I will guide you step-by-step through the process of making Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf. Whether you’re a novice cook or a professional chef, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests or family members. So without further ado, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This brown Jasmine rice pilaf recipe is a culinary masterpiece you’ll absolutely fall in love with. Why? Well, firstly, this recipe blends the best of two worlds — the fluffy texture of Jasmine rice and the nutty flavor of brown rice. The combination infuses a delicious chewy quality that elevates your taste buds to gastronomical heights. Secondly, the various fruits and nuts we blend into this dish not only add the perfect balance of sweetness but also provide nutritional value to you.
Notably, the exotic scents arising from our spices are a joy to behold. Our sweet paprika and chicken bouillon powder will have your nose twitching in excitement. And with white pepper serving up a spicy kick that tingles your senses, it’s a recipe fit for everyone across all age groups.
But what’s even more exciting is how simple it is to create! This rice pilaf comes together effortlessly with staples found in many kitchens like olive oil, scallions, and butter. It takes less than an hour too! What’s not to like?
Finally, each time you prepare this pilaf recipe, Ehud has assured me that new flavors emerge that leave him amazed every time. So if you’re looking for an easy yet delicious upgrade to your usual weeknight dinner or want to impress guests at your next dinner party, this Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf recipe should be top on your list!
Ingredient List
Here is everything you need to make this Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of brown jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 1/2 cup of diced celery
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of chopped roasted pecans.
- Salt to taste (about 1 tsp)
- 1 ½ cups water
The Recipe How-To
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Soak the rice in water: Rinse 1 cup of brown jasmine rice until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes. This will help remove any excess starch or debris that may be on the surface of the rice.
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Saute aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, and saute one chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent.
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Add rice and butter: Add 1 cup of brown jasmine rice to the saucepan with the onions and stir well to coat each grain of rice with the fat.
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Add other ingredients: Add ½ cup diced celery, 1 tablespoon chopped scallions, ¼ cup raisins, ¼ cup chopped pecans, ½ teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 tsp dried chicken bouillon powder, ½ teaspoon white pepper, and a pinch of salt.
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Cook the Rice: Pour in 1 ½ cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to the lowest setting. Simmer on low for about 50 minutes or until the water is absorbed, and the rice is tender. Fluff up with fork before serving.
Tip: Do not uncover the pot during cooking as it will cause steam to escape , and you’ll end up with undercooked rice.
Your delicious rice pilaf is now ready!
Substitutions and Variations
There are endless possibilities to customize this Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf according to your taste and preferences. For instance, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios. Any variety of nut will give the rice pilaf added crunch and flavor.
If you don’t have chicken bouillon powder on hand, you can replace it with vegetable broth or simply add more salt to enhance the flavors. You could also add other seasonings like cumin, coriander or turmeric to give a unique taste profile.
To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can use vegetable oil instead of butter and add mushrooms instead of chicken. For a Middle Eastern twist, try adding dried fruit, orzo, fried onion strips or even ground meat to the rice pilaf to create a spiced and aromatic dish.
For those who prefer whole grain rice for its high fiber content, you could use brown basmati or wild rice instead of jasmine rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice; therefore soaking it in water before cooking it will save cooking time.
If you love herbed rice, try adding finely chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. This will add freshness to your rice pilaf.
Finally, if you own an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, feel free to cook your brown jasmine rice in them. Pressure cooking is a time-saving method that typically takes 15-20 minutes compared to stove-top cooking time of 45-50 minutes.
With these substitutions and variations, every time you make this Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf recipe will offer something new and delicious.
Serving and Pairing
Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf is a versatile dish that pairs well with different types of main courses. You can make it a part of your everyday meals, the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish. But it also adds an elegant touch to special-occasion dinner parties.
Most Middle Eastern origin and spiced recipes are good choices for pairing with this rice pilaf. The aromatic brown jasmine rice pilaf perfectly complements the flavors of lamb, beef kebabs, or shawarma. The combination of textures and fragrances will increase the intensity of each flavor in your mouth.
If you want to keep it lighter, brown jasmine rice pilaf is delicious paired with baked fish and green vegetables. This rice recipe is an excellent alternative to replace traditional white rice in soups and stews since it has a nuttier flavor and firmer texture.
This dish provides a perfectly balanced base for many different styles of cuisine. It makes an excellent addition to big family gatherings where everyone can combine this foundation of flavors with their favorite entree options.
Finally, when plating, I recommend adding some toasted pecans or raisins on top for added crunch and sweetness that simply elevates your brown jasmine rice pilaf to new heights>
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf is a dish that can easily be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining. I recommend cooking the rice pilaf up to a day in advance and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When reheating, simply add a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to the container and microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
To store leftovers, let the rice cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. The rice can be kept for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. If you find that the rice has become dry after being refrigerated, you can add a sprinkle of water or broth before reheating.
For best results, I do not recommend freezing brown jasmine rice pilaf as freezing may cause the texture of the rice to become mushy.
Overall, brown jasmine rice pilaf is an excellent make-ahead dish that can easily be stored and reheated for leftovers. Not only is it delicious, but it is convenient for those who plan ahead or simply want to enjoy a wholesome meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking brown jasmine rice can be a bit tricky as it requires a longer cooking time than white Jasmine or Basmati rice. Here are some tips to ensure that your Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, make sure to soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help shorten the cooking time and ensure even cooking. Rinse the rice thoroughly and let it soak in water needed to cook it (one cup of rice typically requires two cups of water).
To add more flavor to your Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf, try toasting the rice first in olive oil or butter. Heat a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil or unsalted butter, and then add the brown jasmine rice. Stir occasionally until it starts to brown slightly.
Next, consider adding aromatic spices such as sweet paprika, white pepper, or chicken bouillon powder to the pot when cooking the rice. The spices will help enhance the flavors of the pilaf.
When cooking your Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf, use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid. This will ensure even heat distribution and prevent steam from escaping.
Another key tip is to avoid lifting the lid while the rice is cooking. This will release steam and slow down the cooking process, resulting in unevenly cooked rice.
Lastly, once your Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf is done cooking, allow it to sit for at least five minutes with the lid on before serving. This will allow any remaining moisture to be absorbed by the grains of rice and result in fluffier and more flavorful will end product.
By following these simple tips, you can elevate your Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf recipe from good to great and impress all of your dinner guests with perfectly cooked grains of rice full of flavor and texture!
FAQ
Now that you’ve gone through the different sections of this brown jasmine rice pilaf recipe, it’s time to address any lingering questions you may have. In item (9) FAQ, we’ll be tackling some of the most common inquiries about this dish and its preparation. From ingredient substitutions to alterations in cooking methods, we’ve got you covered with all the answers. So, let’s dive in and alleviate any concerns you may have about making this delicious rice pilaf.
Does brown rice and jasmine rice cook the same?
When it comes to cooking rice, the timing and type of rice can make a big difference. For example, jasmine rice cooks relatively quickly at around 20 minutes, while brown rice takes longer, taking roughly 45 minutes to become tender. Additionally, brown rice offers a heartier texture and nuttier flavor compared to jasmine rice.
What is the ratio of water to brown jasmine rice?
Let’s start by preparing the rice. To do this, you’ll need a saucepan and 1 ½ cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and then add in 1 cup of rice. If you prefer, you can add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt for each cup of uncooked rice for extra flavor. Mix everything well and let it cook over medium heat.
Should you soak brown jasmine rice before cooking?
Skipping the soaking process for your jasmine rice won’t affect its quality – it’s just a time saver. Soaking rice is normally done to reduce the cooking time. If you’re wondering about the right amount of water to use when cooking a cup of uncooked jasmine rice, it’s one and one-third cups of water using the stovetop method.
How to perfectly cook jasmine brown rice?
Let’s start by cooking some fluffy brown rice. Get yourself a medium-sized pot and put in the rice along with some water over medium-high heat. As soon as it starts boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook for about 50 minutes until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the yummy water. Use a fork to fluff up the rice, and then it’s ready to be served!
Bottom Line
this brown jasmine rice pilaf recipe, will not only provide you with a delicious and healthy meal, but it will also introduce you to the world of whole grain rice. By using brown jasmine rice, you are adding extra nutrients and fiber to your diet, making it a great choice for those who are health-conscious.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experiment with variations such as incorporating pecans or raisins for added flavors. Make use of my expert tips for perfect results, including soaking the rice before cooking and covering the pot while reducing the heat.
Remember, cooking is a form of art that allows us to experiment and create new dishes. With this recipe in hand, you have the opportunity to elevate your cooking skills and impress your guests with an irresistible rice pilaf.
Don’t be afraid to make substitutions or variations that fit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. With this versatile recipe, the possibilities are endless.
In conclusion, I highly urge you to give this brown jasmine rice pilaf a chance. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor – what more could you ask for from a dish? Just remember to cook it low and slow for fluffy perfection, and enjoy your delicious creation with family and friends. Happy cooking!
Brown Jasmine Rice Pilaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown jasmine rice, raw
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 5 scallions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder (or vegetable)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/3 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients but the pecans in a 3qt. saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil, stir well.
- Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook about 40 minutes or until rice is tender.
- All liquid should be absorbed, but if rice is old, you may have to drain it before using.
- Remove 1 tbls of pecans. Add rest to rice and fluff up. Top with 1 tbls pecans and serve hot.