Bacon & Pesto Rice Pilaf
with Green Veggies & Parmesan
- Milk
- Soy
- May contain traces of allergens
- Milk
- Wheat
- Gluten
Pilaf is a rice dish commonly found in the Middle East, India, and now, in your HelloFresh repertoire! In our modern Australian version, the fragrant and fluffy basmati rice soaks up the flavour from the umami-rich bacon and bright basil pesto, like a treat. The veggies add colour and crispness, and the lemon is all you need to cut the richness.
Ingredients
1
brown onion
1 bag
green beans
1
zucchini
2 clove
garlic
½
lemon
1 packet
diced bacon
(May be present: Soy, Milk)
1 packet
basmati rice
(May be present: Wheat, Gluten, Soy)
1 packet
basil pesto
(Contains: Milk)
1 sachet
Italian herbs
1 packet
Parmesan cheese
(Contains: Milk)
Not included in your delivery
olive oil
1.5 cup
warm water
Utensils
Cooking Steps
• Finely chop brown onion. Trim green beans and slice into thirds. • Cut zucchini into bite-sized chunks. Finely chop garlic. • Zest lemon to get a pinch, then slice into wedges.
Little cooks: Under adult supervision, older kids can help grate the zest.
• In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook onion and diced bacon, breaking bacon up with a spoon, until onion is softened and bacon is golden, 4-6 minutes. • Add garlic and lemon zest and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 minute.
• Add basmati rice to pan, stirring to coat. Add the warm water (1 1/2 cups for 2 people / 3 cups for 4 people) and Italian herbs, then bring to the boil. • Cover with a lid (or foil) and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice is tender and water is absorbed, 16-20 minutes. Season with pepper.
• When rice has 5 minutes remaining, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. • Cook zucchini and green beans, tossing, until tender, 4-5 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, tossing to coat. Season to taste.
• When rice is ready, transfer veggies to pan with the rice. Add basil pesto, gently stirring to combine.
TIP: If any rice has stuck to the bottom of the pan, scrape it off and stir it through for extra flavour!
• Divide bacon and basil pesto rice pilaf between plates. • Top with shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve with any remaining lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Little cooks: Add the finishing touch by sprinkling over the Parmesan!
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on July 2026- Flavour: The bacon and pesto combination was widely enjoyed, though some found the overall dish a little mild or one-note. A squeeze of extra lemon or a touch more pesto helped lift the flavour for those who wanted more depth.
- Ease of prep: Most found this a quick and straightforward one-pan meal, and several noted it is great for busy weeknights. Using a deep frying pan when cooking for four makes the process easier.
- Suggestions: Some added diced chicken breast for extra protein and flavour, while others swapped zucchini for red capsicum. A few reviewers suggested using less oil, as it felt a little rich, and one recommended adding the veggies into the rice for the final five minutes to steam them and keep a pleasant crunch.
- Leftovers: Several customers enjoyed this dish cold or reheated the next day, and at least one packed it into a school lunchbox. It holds up well and makes a satisfying next-day lunch.
- Portions: Most found the portions generous, though a handful felt the dish worked better as a side than a standalone meal, and suggested adding chicken to bulk it out.
