Weight Watchers Mushroom Rice Pilaf with Hazelnut, butter, long-grain rice, orzo pasta, onion, celery, chicken broth, parsley, and marjoram.

A delicious side dish recipe with 256 calories.

8 WW Freestyle Points and 9 Smart Points

We have more Weight Watchers Side Dish Recipes here,

and more Weight Watchers Rice Recipes here!

Weight Watchers Mushroom Rice Pilaf Recipe with Hazelnut

Tips and Tricks

Browning the Rice and Orzo

Ensure the butter is fully melted in the skillet before adding the rice and orzo. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until the rice and orzo are lightly browned. This step adds a nutty flavor and enhances the overall dish.

Sautéing Vegetables

Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced celery to the skillet. Continue to stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The vegetables should become tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Mixing in Broth and Seasonings

Once the rice, orzo, and vegetables are browned, add the chicken broth, chopped parsley, dried marjoram, ground black pepper, and chopped toasted hazelnuts. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Simmering

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the rice and orzo to absorb the broth and become tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to keep the steam in and ensure even cooking.

Resting

After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld and the rice to finish cooking through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the rice and orzo pilaf as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Customizing the Recipe

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients such as diced bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition. You can also substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian.

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