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 Feb 2026- Flavour: Many enjoyed the tasty bacon and pesto combination, though some found it overpowering. A few suggested adding chicken for extra flavour.
- Ease of prep: Quick and easy to make, with generous portions. Some noted the rice took longer to cook than stated.
- Suggestions: Try steaming veggies with rice for the last 5 minutes. Consider using arborio or short-grain rice instead of basmati.
- Leftovers: Delicious cold the next day, making great leftovers for lunch.
- Portions: Several found it filling as a main, while others preferred it as a side dish.
