Half-Whole Grain Pilaf
A balanced rice blend of half white rice and half brown rice, simmered with vegetables and herbs for a nutty, aromatic side. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs white rice, brown rice, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup, finely diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup, finely diced carrot
- 1/4 cup, finely diced celery
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup white rice and 1 cup brown rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced carrot, and 1/4 cup diced celery.
- Step 4: Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Step 5: Stir in rinsed rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp dried thyme.
- Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, let sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Whole Grain Pilaf take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (10 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Whole Grain Pilaf?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Whole Grain Pilaf?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Whole Grain Pilaf for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Half-Whole Grain Pilaf vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
- ★★★★★
Loved the healthy twist on a classic. Made it for my kids and they ate it all!
- ★★★★★
This pilaf is a new family favorite! The whole grain adds a nice texture and flavor.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
