Vegan Rice Pilaf (Gluten Free)

Name: Vegan Rice Pilaf (Gluten Free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Avocado Oil; 1 Small Onion (small diced); 4 Cloves Garlic (minced); 1 Cup Rice Vermicelli (Pasta, broken into 1/2" - 1" pieces); 2 Cups Jasmine Rice (or any long grain rice); 4 Cups Water; 1 Teaspoon Salt; ½ Cup Toasted Pine Nuts (optional); 1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional)

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This easy vegan rice pilaf is a classic dish that makes a great side. With warm, earthy flavors, and a garnish of pine nuts and fresh parsley.

A plate of vegan rice pilaf, garnished with pine nuts and fresh parsley.

The first time I made pilaf was a few years ago. What I loved about the dish was the kind-of-rice but kind-of-salad vibes. And the earthy flavor that was more than just an average pot of rice.

That's pilaf for ya - it's flavorful, earthy, and warm. With more flavor and ingredients than a normal rice dish. Great as a side when entertaining or when you just want to switch it up!

What is pilaf?

Pilaf is a rice dish. It's more elevated than a typical pot of rice.

Pilaf uses a method of sautéing the rice in oil or butter. This keeps the grains separate from each other. It also helps create a deeper, more nutty flavor.

It makes a great side dish and can be flavored with a variety of herbs, spices, and nuts for a unique dish every time.

A close up of the texture of the rice pilaf.

Why I love this vegan rice pilaf

Dietary needs - this pilaf is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, and sugar-free. It's also high in fiber
Quick and easy - this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinner
Naturally Gluten-Free - rice is a gluten-free grain, so it's a great option if you have a sensitivity

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Olive Oil: I try to keep most of my recipes oil free, but pilaf depends on oil to coat all the grains of rice and prevent sticky rice. Olive oil or avocado oil will be great here.
Onion & Garlic: these ingredients help create a depth of flavor, and elevate the dish from just a simple pot of rice
Rice Vermicelli Pasta: I love adding pasta for an extra texture. Vermicelli is often sold as rice pasta, but you can also buy it as regular pasta if you don't need to keep this recipe gluten-free
Jasmine Rice: you can use jasmine or any type of long grain rice
Water: for more flavor, you can use vegetable broth
Salt
Pine Nuts: I love the rich, nuttiness of pine nuts and highly recommend stirring them in at the end
Parsley: parsley adds such a lovely freshness to the dish and really brightens up the flavor. This is optional, but highly recommended

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1. In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook 5 minutes, until soft.

Vegan rice pilaf step 1 - sauté the onion.

Step 2. Add the garlic and vermicelli. Stir to toast, 3-5 minutes.

Vegan rice pilaf step 2 - toast the pasta.

Step 3. Add the rice and remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir to coat.

Vegan rice pilaf step 3 - add the rice and oil to toast.

Step 4. Add the water and salt. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let sit, covered, without stirring for 10 minutes.

Vegan rice pilaf step 4 - cook with water.

Step 5. Serve topped with pine nuts and fresh parsley.

Vegan rice pilaf step 5 - garnish with pine nuts and parsley.

FAQ & Expert Tips

Storage

This dish will last in the fridge for up to a week. Store in an air-tight container. Feel free to reheat in the microwave or serve cold.

Is this pilaf gluten-free?

Yes. Be sure to use rice vermicelli noodles instead of wheat noodles.
In general most pilafs are gluten free, because rice is gluten-free.

What type of rice is best for pilaf?

Any long grain rice is ideal for pilaf. Short grain rice tends to be more sticky, which is the opposite of what we're trying to achieve in a pilaf.

Why do you sauté the rice before adding liquid?

Sautéing the rice in oil first allows the oil to coat the individual grains, preventing sticky rice.

A plate of vegan rice pilaf, garnished with pine nuts and fresh parsley, with a few dishes of pine nuts and parsley.

Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for this food. Thank you for the gift of nourishment and flavorful food. We are grateful for you abundance. Amen.

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