Taj Mahal Rice Pilaf Food

RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a heavy, wide, lidded pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add onion, red pepper, and kosher salt. Sweat the onions and peppers until aromatic, stirring constantly. Add the rice and stir to coat. Continue stirring until rice smells nutty. Add chicken broth, orange zest, saffron and water, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Stir once, then cover pan with moistened dish towel (or tea towel). Place lid on pan and fold towel corners over lid. Bake for 15 minutes. Then rest at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes without removing the cover.
• Meanwhile, simmer peas in salted water until heated through or heat in a microwave.
• Remove lid from rice and turn out onto a platter. Add peas and fluff with a large fork. Add raisins and pistachios.

CHEESY RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a full boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the remaining tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until incorporated. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Gruyere; keep warm, covered.
• When the rice is cooked, stir in the cheese sauce, parsley, chives and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper.