Not just any side dish, this is an easy way to take your rice game up a level or two. After you've tried this recipe, you won't want to go back to plain white rice as a side EVER again!

Mr. Deets, my lovely husband, was trained as a chef in a past life, so we are constantly trying new ways to make his favorite menu items. Tonight's challenge, rice pilaf. I like to find fun things to make in the Instant Pot®. Usually we just check online for a recipe that is already converted to the #Instapot, but tonight was a different story. To our dismay, we couldn't find any recipes for this rice pilaf online. So, we are claiming this one as an original #DrinksEatsDeets #first.

This is a simple dish that can take your plain white rice up a notch or two. This dish pairs well with EVRYTHING you would eat with regular rice.

Saute the diced onions and minced garlic until translucent. This can be done right in the #InstaPot on the saute setting.

Add rice to the Instant Pot. Mix in and ensure rice is throughly coated with the oil.

It should look like this before you add the chicken stock. #ProTip: don't mix it for too long on saute because the rice will start to stick.

Add the stock to the Instant Pot. Make sure the rice is throughly coated in the stock. Do not let any rice stay stuck on the sides.

Turn on the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Then allow for a 10 minute Natural Release before switching the quick release valve. The 10 minute Natural Release is crucial for getting just the right texture in the rice. If you quick release, the rice will be too chewy. Fluff the rice with a fork to break up any chunks.

Recipe

1 small diced onion

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1 Bay leaf

2 Cups rice

2 Cups Chicken Stock (or any type of stock that you prefer)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Saute the onion and garlic until translucent

2. Add the rice and stir until incorporated.

3. Turn off the saute setting. Add the chicken stock.

4. Set the Instant pot to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Allow for a 10 minute natural release and then quick release any remaining pressure.

5. Fluff rice with a fork prior to serving.