Good Eats Season 1 Episode 12
Good Eats
Season 1

Ep 12. Power to the Pilaf

  • TV-G
  • September 22, 1999
  • 21 min
  • 6.5  (8)

In Good Eats season 1 episode 12, titled "Power to the Pilaf," host Alton Brown delves into the world of the ancient dish known as pilaf, and shows viewers how to make a versatile and delicious version of this beloved dish.

The episode starts with a history lesson on the origins of pilaf, which can be traced back to Iran in the 9th century. Alton then explains that pilaf is essentially rice cooked in broth, and that there are endless variations of this dish found all over the world.

Alton's version of pilaf is a healthy and flavorful blend of long-grain brown rice, raisins, pine nuts, and spices. He starts by toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet until they are golden brown and fragrant. Alton then adds some oil to the skillet and sautés some onions and celery until they are soft and translucent.

Next, Alton adds the brown rice to the pan and stirs it for a few minutes to toast it up a bit. He then adds some chicken broth, along with a mix of spices that includes cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric. Alton brings the mixture to a boil, then reduces the heat to low, covers the pan, and lets the rice simmer for about 45 minutes.

While the pilaf cooks, Alton prepares a salad to go with it. He starts with a bed of mixed greens, then adds some sliced cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and feta cheese. He also whips up a simple vinaigrette with honey, cider vinegar, and olive oil, and dresses the salad with it.

Once the pilaf is finished cooking, Alton fluffs it up with a fork, then stirs in the toasted pine nuts and raisins. He also adds a bit of fresh parsley for color and flavor.

To serve, Alton plates the pilaf alongside the salad and some grilled chicken. He notes that the pilaf is a great side dish for any type of protein, from fish to beef to tofu.

Throughout the episode, Alton shares tips and tricks for cooking rice perfectly every time, including the 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio and the importance of letting the rice rest for a few minutes after it's done cooking. He also offers suggestions for customizing the pilaf to suit different tastes, such as adding chopped apricots or using quinoa instead of rice.

Overall, "Power to the Pilaf" is a fun and informative episode of Good Eats that showcases the versatility and deliciousness of this classic dish. Alton's recipe is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make, making it a great addition to any home cook's repertoire.

Description
Watch Good Eats - Power to the Pilaf (s1 e12) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Good Eats, Season 1 Episode 12, is available to watch and stream on Food Network. You can also buy, rent Good Eats on demand at Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, Food Network, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    September 22, 1999
  • Content Rating
    TV-G
  • Runtime
    21 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (8)