Pilaf is one of the four main methods for cooking rice. Though many grains are also cooked using this method, in this lesson, we are going to focus on using rice, which is generally the most common.

Pilaf is very popular in Indian, Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines. The pilaf method is similar to the steaming method; however, the rice or grain is first sautéed, often with aromatics, before any liquid is added. For this reason, pilafs are highly flavorful. Pilafs frequently contain added ingredients, such as fish or meats, to create a more substantial meal.

In this lesson, you will learn how to make a basic pilaf. You will also learn how to enhance and flavor a basic pilaf to create many flavorful side dishes. Finally, you will learn how to properly add proteins to a pilaf to create hearty and delicious, one-pot meals.