Earthly Grains Rice Pilaf

Aldi sells several varieties of rice and grains, from bags of rice to larger boxes of instant rice, down to small boxes of different-flavored rice that are good to serve as a side dish or to supplement the main course for a meal. The latter includes Earthly Grains Rice Pilaf.

Earthly Grains Rice Pilaf

Earthly Grains Rice Pilaf cost $0.89 for a 6.09-oz. box at the time of publication. The box describes it as “long grain rice with orzo, onion & garlic.” It suggests adding meat to make it a meal.

One box contains three servings. One 1-cup prepared serving has 220 calories, 4 grams of total fat (5% DV), 2.5 grams of saturated fat (13% DV), 800 mg of sodium (35% DV), 42 grams of total carbohydrates (15% DV), 0 grams of dietary fiber, 1 gram of total sugars, 0 grams of added sugars, and 5 grams of protein.

Earthly Grains Rice Pilaf

Earthly Grains Rice Pilaf nutrition information and ingredients. (Click to enlarge.)

Ingredients are: long grain parboiled rice, orzo (pasta made with wheat flour), salt, yeast extract, dried onions, dried garlic, and oleoresin turmeric (color). People with allergies should be aware this contains wheat.

The rice pilaf can be prepared on the stove top or in the microwave.

To make it on the stove, in a medium saucepan, bring 1 3/4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter to a boil. (Olive oil may be substituted for butter.) Stir in the rice and contents of the seasoning and orzo packet. Return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 20-25 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and lightly fluff with a fork before serving.

To make it in the microwave, in a 2-quart microwavable glass casserole dish, combine rice, seasoning and orzo packet, 2 1/4 cups of water, and 1 tablespoon of butter (olive oil can be substituted). Cover and microwave on high 18-20 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed. Lightly fluff with a fork before serving.

I prepared our rice pilaf on the stove top, and the water was mostly absorbed after about 16 minutes of cooking. I served leftover pot roast atop the rice, in an attempt to make the last bit of my pot roast meat stretch a little farther. The rice and pasta mix has a slightly salty, seasoned flavor but does not taste overly salty.

At 800 mg of sodium per serving, this is not a low-sodium dish, so be aware of that if you’re trying to limit your salt intake.

Otherwise, this is a suitable rice side dish if you need a simple rice dish.

The Verdict: 

Earthly Grains Rice Pilaf is a traditional rice side dish that goes well with many dinner entrees. It comes together easily on the stove top or in the microwave.

About Rachael

Rachael is the Co-founder of Aldi Reviewer. When she isn't busy shopping at Aldi, she enjoys cooking, gardening, writing gothic romance, and collecting more houseplants than she probably should. You can learn more about her at rachaelsjohnston.com.

3 Comments

  1. I use less than half the packet of seasoning. It makes it much less salty & still very good.

  2. Waaay to salty

  3. When they package the rice in the just the box it doesn’t store well they need to place the rice in a bag and then put it in the box, that or do away with the box and just use a bag. I opened a box of rice and there were weevils in the rice so had to throw it out.

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