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!
- 17 Mar 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. | |
More recipes
Chermoula butterflied shrimps with aioli
Ready to impress? Dive into this flavorful dish today.
03 Jun 2025Zucchini pasta with carrots, tomatoes and garlic
Perfect for low-carb lifestyles and veggie lovers.
12 May 2025Roasted beet, pistachio and feta salad
Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients.
12 Apr 2025Garlic and olive oil glazed potatoes
Quick and easy to make, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.
18 May 2025Paprika & lemon feta with pine nuts
Simple yet sophisticated, it's an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire.
12 Apr 2025Potato and feta picnic pie
Perfect for sharing and easy to transport, it’s the ideal addition to your next outdoor gathering.
12 May 2025