Almond Rice Pilaf

I used this recipe as a guide/inspiration. My alterations/recommendation: I used 2 T butter and carmelized one medium onion cut in small rainbow-like slices. Then I added the almond and cooked about 5 minutes until toasted (may toast separately next time while I'm cooking the onion to save a little time). Then I added well rinsed BASMATI rice and toasted a little with the onion and almonds (about 2 minutes) - then added water and salt (instead of broth). TIPS FOR PERFECT RICE: First and foremost - always WASH THE RICE! Rice contains a lot of starch and rinsing the rice will help wash away the excess starch and help keep the rice from becoming sticky/gloppy. Second - the water to rice ration is NOT 2:1 like most people think... it's more like 1 1/4 part water to 1 part rice (so 1 1/4 cups water for every 1 cup of rice) - once the rice boils cover the pot with foil and then cover with the lid. A tight seal is very important - because the steam is what helps finish cooking the rice - and you must NOT remove the lid while the rice is cooking. Depending on the type of rice you use - it's 15-20 minutes on very low heat. Remove from heat - allow to stand 10 minutes and then fluff. Rice comes out perfect every time!

This was great. I used 1 1/2 cup chicken broth and a cup of orange juice to give it an extra kick. I am not a fan of rice, but this was great. I have cooked it twice this week.

Really good. Didn't read the recipe and realized it called for instant rice so instead used one cup of regular rice simmered for 15 min and then let sit for 10.

This rice dish is easy and delicious. The only change I made was used fresh garlic instead of garlic powder as I never use it.

Good side dish. I have been searching for a rice pilaf that is similar to one I tasted at Applebees and this sure ranks up there. I also added mushrooms and it was excellent.

Almost exactly like the side dish served at Applebee's. Easy to recreate, and while it's not an exact replica it's still really very good! Have made it before, and will be making it again this week. It's a keeper.

Fabulous :) I added some parsley for color. A quick, tasty rice to fool your friends into thinking you did a lot of work.

Used a little water along with chicken broth to help with cooking. Transferred almonds and onions to pan after cooking in butter. Paired with Chile BBQ Garlic Salmon from this site. Very good.

Nothing spectacular, but it wasn't bad. I paired this with the Balsamic Marinated Chicken Breasts from this site. The flavor from the juicy chicken gave this a little more life.

It was excellant. I too do not use instant rice. I made it using basmatti rice.