Herbed Rice Pilaf

By lorik

If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, ½ teaspoon dried thyme can be substituted.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped fine
• Salt
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced (see note)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Preparation

Step 1

1. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook onion and ½ teaspoon salt until just softened, about 3 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring frequently, until edges begin to turn translucent, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

2. Stir in broth and bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf and fluff rice with fork. Stir in almonds and parsley. Season with salt. Serve. (Rice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1 day.)