Spring Pilaf

A long time ago, when I catered for an American Heart Association charity dinner, I made this pilaf. I don’t really remember what inspired me to make it, except that I know it was part of a spring menu featuring beef as the protein. Fortunately it went over very well.

As some of you might know, when you cook for the public, you have to be careful. You really can’t make anything too “crazy” or it will turn people off, no matter how gourmet or trendy the ingredients might be. But make everything too bland and blah, and no one will ever hire you for your catering services. So there exists a fine line.

Honestly, I discovered long ago when I cooked for various charities, that the less people knew, the better off they were. If I put out tent cards with a descriptive menu, I would hear lots of “EEEWWWWWWSSS,” or “I’m not eating thats” before anyone even saw their meal! So I learned to keep things to myself, and tentative diners ended up enjoying their food much more!

I’ve been wanting to repeat this pilaf for a long time now, because it was really good and unique as well. There are two main flavors in the pilaf – orange and leeks. For the orange, I used orange oil – that is, orange-infused oil.

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For the rice, I used long-grained brown in this recipe, which I don’t love, but I needed to use it up. Short-grained rice, which I prefer, hulled barley, or even kamut could be substituted, with some extra cooking time.

So here’s my recipe for my spring-inspired rice pilaf. It is good with just about any protein, from beef to scallops.

Spring Pilaf

1/4 cup orange-infused olive oil*
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 small leeks, cleaned, sliced crosswise
1 cup long-grained brown rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup frozen petite peas, slightly thawed

Place the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and leeks.

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Sauté for a few minutes; a little caramelization is okay.

Pour in the rice and stir it into the onion-leek mixture until all the grains are coated with oil.

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Add the chicken broth, the salt, and the pepper.

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Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and turn the burner down to the lowest setting. Let the rice cook for 35 minutes. Then turn off the stove, but leave the lid on for about 15 minutes more.

Remove the lid, then stir in the peas. Gently mix everything together.

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Serve hot with your desired protein. I served this pilaf with an Asian-marinated venison short loin. Asian flavors and orange really compliment each other.

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If you love parsley, add some chopped parsley over the pilaf, or a few finely chopped chives.

If you want the pilaf even more citrusy, add some grated orange or lemon rind.

* I highly recommend using an orange-infused oil in this recipe, but if you can’t find it, try adding some orange zest to the pilaf right before serving. Or use a few drops of sweet orange oil.

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note: Depending on the rice or other grain you use, cooking times will differ, as well as the amount of liquid necessary in which to cook it. Read the package directions so you get the grain-to-liquid ratio correct.

By Published On: April 14th, 201433 Comments on Spring Pilaf

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

33 Comments

  1. thesinglegourmetandtraveller April 14, 2014 at 8:07 AM - Reply

    Delicious and nice and fresh for spring. I like brown rice in things like this; nice and nutty.

    • chef mimi April 14, 2014 at 8:33 AM - Reply

      I won’t eat white rice unless it’s sushi or risotto! Then I make exceptions!!!

  2. sallybr April 14, 2014 at 8:30 AM - Reply

    I’ve been away on a trip and it was good to resume my blog surfing with your post on this great pilaf, so perfect for Spring!

    We had snow to welcome our landing late last night, huge shock from leaving Arizona with temps in the mid 90′[s – oh well – this too shall pass ;-)

    • chef mimi April 14, 2014 at 8:32 AM - Reply

      It’s snowing now in northwest oklahoma. i did all of my gardening and most of my planting because I leave for france tomorrow. I’ll probably lose everything. It’s so sad.

      • sallybr April 14, 2014 at 10:36 AM

        Bon Voyage! I hope you don’t lose everything, but don’t let that bother your travel plans and this last day of getting ready for it. Enjoy each minute!

  3. Linda Duffin April 14, 2014 at 8:33 AM - Reply

    Looks and sounds delicious – so does the Asian-marinated venison loin. Hope you’re posting that one too, or have I missed it?

    • chef mimi April 14, 2014 at 8:36 AM - Reply

      The venison post is on Wednesday! Thanks!

      • Linda Duffin April 14, 2014 at 9:30 AM

        Looking forward to it! I’ve been cooking a lot of venison recently too.

  4. emmabarrett1508 April 14, 2014 at 8:46 AM - Reply

    This pilaff looks perfect for summer. I love anything with rice. Look forward to making this at home.

  5. Amanda April 14, 2014 at 10:43 AM - Reply

    Wow this looks good. Orange-infused oil must add such a great citrus flavor. Yum.

    • chef mimi April 14, 2014 at 10:50 AM - Reply

      It really does. I didn’t see it for a long time but I think it’s back to stay!!!

  6. Jovina Coughlin April 14, 2014 at 2:49 PM - Reply

    Looks delicious.

  7. mmmarzipan April 14, 2014 at 3:25 PM - Reply

    So fresh and delicious looking, Mimi!

  8. ladyredspecs April 14, 2014 at 5:06 PM - Reply

    Sounds delicious Mimi. You must be excited about your trip, can’t wait to hear about your French Heaven experience. Happy travels😊

    • chef mimi April 14, 2014 at 5:08 PM - Reply

      Thank you so much! Tomorrow I’m getting my roots done, then I’m on my way!!!

  9. eliotthecat April 14, 2014 at 5:54 PM - Reply

    I bet you did have to be careful with public perceptions when catering. I bet you have some humorous stories!

  10. spiritedcook April 14, 2014 at 6:08 PM - Reply

    Looks great and like something we would enjoy! By the way, a few months ago I posted in the relies about wanting to start a blog and you said “do it!” I finally took the plunge, so thank you! Check out spiritedcook.com when you have a moment (back from France perhaps, enjoy!). I also put your blog in my what Im reading since I always read your posts, love your energy! Cheers, Barbara

  11. Michelle April 14, 2014 at 7:44 PM - Reply

    Yes, it’s often best not to tell people what you plan to serve them. It’s astonishing how stupid they can be. The pilaf looks delicious!

    • chef mimi April 15, 2014 at 8:15 AM - Reply

      I couldn’t have said it better! And thank you!

  12. yummychunklet April 15, 2014 at 7:16 AM - Reply

    Very colorful! Makes it more appetizing.

  13. 13 Spices April 15, 2014 at 11:08 AM - Reply

    What a gorgeous pilaf! I love flavored rice dishes, especially with zests and spices but I have not tried orange infused oil before. I imagine it imparts more flavor than just using orange zest though. I am not a huge fan of brown rice myself but if I am eating it, I am preparing it this way!! I’d love to buy this oil.

    • chef mimi April 15, 2014 at 11:59 AM - Reply

      I’ve been seeing it a lot lately. It seemed to have disappeared for a long time, but it’s making a comeback I guess! It’s great in salad dressings as well!

  14. frugaltiredmom April 15, 2014 at 1:46 PM - Reply

    Looks delicious! My family east a lot of rice..I’m always on the lookout for a new recipe. Definitely going to try this soon! Thanx!

  15. Mary Frances April 15, 2014 at 4:36 PM - Reply

    This is such a beautiful, vibrant dish. I bet it’d be perfect for a Spring picnic or a garden party!

  16. Michael's Woodcraft April 15, 2014 at 8:12 PM - Reply

    Looks delicious and colorful :) Is that beef tenderloin in the picture? My favorite!

    Check out my Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie
    Michael ;)
    http://michaelswoodcraft.wordpress.com/2014/04/15/chocolate-chip-paradise-pie/

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