Orange and Cinnamon Infused Rice Pilaf

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-02 · Updated 2026-08-02

A fragrant rice pilaf subtly flavored with orange zest and warm cinnamon, perfect as a vibrant side dish. This Mediterranean-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs basmati rice, orange zest, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, 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 basmati rice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear; drain well.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp orange zest and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the drained rice, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
5. Step 5: Simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.