Lebanese Restaurant Rice Pilaf

May 13, 2023May 13, 20230 6

Lebanese Restaurant Rice Pilaf recipe with orzo, almonds, and tahini

by The Chefin Rice

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

464

Sugar

Fat

23g

Lebanese Restaurant Rice Pilaf is a classic Middle Eastern dish that combines rice with orzo pasta, toasted almonds, and tahini sauce. This dish is often served as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables and is a staple of many Mediterranean cuisines. With a unique texture and delicious flavor, this rice pilaf is sure to satisfy and impress. Whether you are looking for a new recipe to add to your collection or want to try something different, Lebanese Restaurant Rice Pilaf is a must-try dish.

Instructions

1.	Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
2.	In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1/4 cup of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3.	Add the orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until it is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4.	Add the rice and stir to coat it in the butter and oil. Cook the rice, stirring occasionally, until it is lightly toasted, about 5 minutes.
5.	Add the water and salt and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
6.	Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and cook the rice until it is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.
7.	Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
8.	Add the slivered almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes.
9.	Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the tahini sauce.
10.	Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and serve it topped with the almond mixture and extra tahini sauce on the side.

PROS

This rice pilaf is a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

With the addition of orzo, almonds, and tahini, it has a unique texture and taste that is sure to impress.

It is also gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary restrictions.

CONS

This dish does take some time to prepare, with 20 minutes of cooking time and additional time for toasting the rice and orzo.

It also requires some attention to prevent the rice from sticking or burning, so it may not be the best choice for a busy weeknight.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This rice pilaf is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.
The almonds provide healthy fats and protein, while the tahini offers a boost of calcium and iron.
It is also lower in sodium than many commercial rice dishes, making it a heart-healthy option.

	3 cups parboiled long-grain white rice
	1/2 cup butter , divided
	1/4 cup olive oil , divided
	1/2 cup orzo pasta
	4 cups water
	1 tablespoon salt
	1 tablespoon slivered almonds , or to taste
	1 tablespoon tahini