Instant Pot Rice Pilaf with Orzo (Gluten Free)

Rice pilaf with orzo is loaded with fresh veggies, sweet cranberries, and plenty of fresh herbs for a holiday-inspired dish that’s so good you’ll be making it all year long! Created with the help of the Instant Pot, it comes together in minutes and can be paired with all your favorite protein sources for a nourishing, gluten free meal that will leave your guests raving. Stovetop option. Vegan Friendly.

New Gluten Free Recipe for Your Holiday Table! 

Sponsored by our friends at DeLallo and their gluten free orzo, this Instant Pot rice pilaf with orzo is a lightened-up comfort food perfect to add to the holiday table, whip up for weeknight meals, and everything in between! Thank you for supporting the brands that help us to create delicious gluten free recipes like this one for you! Full disclosure and privacy terms here.

What Is Rice Pilaf? 

Often thought of as a dish, pilaf is actually a method of cooking. That said, rice is the grain most commonly used in pilaf recipes. Although, there are versions that use a variety of grains like this rice pilaf with orzo! Today, rice pilaf exists all over the world in endless variations and goes by different names such as Pulao in India and Pilau in England. However, it is believed that the original recipe came from a region of Persia known as modern-day Turkey. 

No matter what grains or spices are used, pilaf always begins by toasting the grains with aromatics like garlic and onion and sauteéing them with veggies and seasonings before cooking them with liquid. As a result, the grain pieces do not stick together, and this dish is absolutely bursting with flavor. 

Is Orzo the Same As Rice? 

Despite their similar appearances, orzo is not the same as rice. In fact, typically made out of semolina wheat, orzo is classified as being pasta or pastina (a category of small-shaped pasta) to be exact. Meanwhile, rice is known as a grain. 

Is Orzo Gluten Free?

Given that orzo is typically made with semolina wheat, most varieties are not gluten free. That’s where DeLallo’s gluten free orzo stands apart from the crowd! Produced in Italy, it is made with 70% corn flour and 3-% rice flour. As a result, it is guaranteed gluten free yet looks and tastes identical (if not better) to traditional orzo pasta and cooks to al dente perfection. If that wasn’t enough to make you run to the store, DeLallo’s gluten free orzo is also guaranteed to be dairy free, nut free, soy free, and kosher to fit all your dietary needs. 

Gluten Free Ingredients Needed for Rice Pilaf with Orzo 

Inspired by Thanksgiving stuffing, this rice pilaf with gluten free orzo features a host of veggies, fruit, and seasonings for a bold and vibrant flavor that won’t leave you feeling weighed down! Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Oil – Used to sauteé the ingredients and add a boost of healthy fats. We use light olive oil, but avocado oil or butter (if you aren’t following a dairy free diet) work well, too. Just make sure to opt for unsalted butter so as not to overpower the dish!  
  
• Veggies – A combination of yellow onions, celery, and carrots packs in tons of vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. 
  
• Herbs and Spices – Garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper provide an herbaceous taste perfect for the holidays. 
  
• DeLallo Gluten Free Corn & Rice Orzo – Our favorite orzo to ensure a fluffy, filling pilaf with none of the gluten! 
  
• Long-Grain White Rice – Long grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine rice has the fluffiest, most tender texture, and the grains don’t tend to stick together like they would with short grain or sushi rice. Plus, when combined with gluten free orzo, the texture is out-of-this-world delicious!  
  
• Fruit – Cranberries, Granny Smith apples, and optional pomegranate arils add a pop of color and irresistible crunch along with a hint of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors. 
  
• Broth – Vegetable or chicken broth is used to add extra flavor. 
  
• Almonds – Loaded with healthy fats, almonds add a nutty taste and even more texture. 
  
• Lemon Juice – Used to cut through the heaviness of the oil and herbs for a well-balanced dish! 

How to Make Rice Pilaf with Gluten Free Orzo (2 Ways!)

We love to make Instant Pot rice pilaf when feeding a crowd! Not only is it so easy to make, but it’s also easy to make a lot and is allergy friendly to fit a wide variety of needs. Don’t worry if you don’t have an Instant Pot, though! We’ve got you covered with a stovetop option, too. Pick your method, and follow the instructions below. 

Instant Pot Option

• Sauté: Heat a 4-quart Instant Pot using the SAUTÉ mode. Once warm, coat the bottom of the pot with oil, and sauté the onions, celery, and carrots until they are tender, stirring occasionally.

• Then, add the garlic, orzo, and rice, and continue to sauté until the rice is just slightly toasted and golden brown. Be careful not to burn! 

• Add Ingredients: Turn the sauté mode off, and add the cranberries, broth, thyme, and a pinch of salt. 

• Cook: Lock the Instant Pot and set the vent to closed. Select the MANUAL mode, and cook on high pressure. Then, natural release. 

• Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, discard the thyme sprigs, fluff the Instant Pot rice pilaf with a fork, and mix in the remaining ingredients. Add a sprinkle of lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and enjoy! 

Stovetop Option

• Sauté: Heat a medium-sized saucepan (or dutch oven) over medium heat, and coat the bottom with oil. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots until tender, stirring occasionally.
  
  Add the garlic, orzo, and rice, and continue to sauté until the rice is toasted. Then, turn off the heat, and stir in the cranberries, broth, thyme, and salt. 

• Boil: Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and band let the ingredients simmer until the liquid is absorbed. 

• Garnish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat, discard the thyme sprigs, and fluff the pilaf with a rok. Add in the remaining ingredients, and enjoy! 

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