Green pilaf
Discover a delightful Green Pilaf recipe featuring aromatic basmati rice, fresh leeks, and a vibrant blend of watercress, parsley, and spearmint. Infused with ground nutmeg and simmered in rich vegetable broth, this dish offers a deliciously herby twist on traditional pilaf. Perfect as a light, flavorful side or a satisfying main course!
- 29 Nov 2025
- Cook time 20 min
- Prep time 15 min
- 4 Servings
- 8 Ingredients
Green pilaf is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with the fresh flavors of leeks, watercress, parsley, and spearmint. This recipe leverages a combination of olive oil and vegetable broth to infuse the rice with rich, savory tastes, while a hint of ground nutmeg adds warming, aromatic notes. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, green pilaf is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Clean the leeks thoroughly, ensuring all grit and dirt between the layers is removed. Finely chop the leeks.
- Chop the watercress, fresh parsley, and spearmint, and set them aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped leeks to the pan and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the rice is well coated with the olive oil and mixed with the leeks.
- Sprinkle in the ground nutmeg and stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Gently stir in the chopped watercress, fresh parsley, and spearmint. The residual heat from the rice will wilt the greens just slightly, giving the pilaf a fresh and vibrant flavor.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the green pilaf warm as a flavorful side dish or a main course.
Tips:
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture.
- Chop leeks finely to ensure even cooking and a more uniform texture in the pilaf.
- Use fresh herbs rather than dried ones. Fresh parsley, watercress, and spearmint provide a vibrant, aromatic quality that dried herbs can't match.
- Add the chopped herbs at the end of the cooking process to preserve their fresh flavors and bright green color.
- Allow the pilaf to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and improves the overall texture.
Green pilaf is a versatile and healthy dish that brings together a medley of fresh, vibrant flavors with the comforting base of basmati rice. Easy to prepare yet packed with taste, it’s a wonderful addition to any meal. By following these tips and employing the right ingredients, you’ll make a green pilaf that’s sure to impress and satisfy.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 320 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 110kcal | 5% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 2.85g | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 22g | 6% |
| Fiber 2.25g | 6% |
| Sugar 4.58g | 5% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 8g | 9% |
| Saturated 1.38g | 5% |
| Cholesterol 0.00mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 140ug | 15% |
| Choline 11mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B1 0.15mg | 12% |
| Vitamin B2 0.08mg | 6% |
| Vitamin B3 1.04mg | 7% |
| Vitamin B6 0.26mg | 15% |
| Vitamin B9 88ug | 21% |
| Vitamin B12 0.00ug | 0% |
| Vitamin C 24mg | 26% |
| Vitamin E 0.94mg | 6% |
| Vitamin K 180ug | 149% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 80mg | 6% |
| Copper, Cu 0.17mg | 19% |
| Iron, Fe 2.81mg | 26% |
| Magnesium, Mg 36mg | 9% |
| Phosphorus, P 60mg | 5% |
| Potassium, K 300mg | 9% |
| Selenium, Se 2.85ug | 5% |
| Sodium, Na 540mg | 36% |
| Zinc, Zn 0.39mg | 4% |
| Water | |
| Water 270g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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