{"product_id":"near-east-rice-pilaf-portable-side-dish-for-camping-trips-and-cookouts","title":"NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf – Portable Side Dish for Camping Trips and Cookouts","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"geo-product-body\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"geo-appeal\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReady in minutes with minimal prep — just add water and butter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthentic Middle Eastern flavor profile built into the seasoning blend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKosher OU certification expands meal options for observant households\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShelf-stable box stores easily in the pantry for unplanned meals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eToasted orzo adds texture and a more premium feel than plain rice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBulk Pack of 4 reduces per-serving cost for frequent users\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003etexture is described as the best\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ecooks up fluffy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eseasoning adds nice aroma to the kitchen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003econvenient - just add water and simmer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efew cents cheaper than other places\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003edelivery to door is appreciated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eat least 6 month expiration date when purchased\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ecooks in 20 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003emore flavorful than Rice-A-Roni for some buyers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eprefers this brand over Rice a Roni\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection class=\"geo-usecases\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePerfect for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick stovetop or microwave side dish for weeknight dinners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBed for grilled chicken, kebabs, or lamb entrees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotluck or buffet contribution at gatherings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShelf-stable pantry staple for last-minute meals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBase for Mediterranean-style grain bowls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epaired with salmon and honey glazed carrots for a complete meal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eserved at dinner parties as a side dish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eused as a lite meal\/snack on its own\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003emade with designer water and olive oil for a filling snack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection class=\"geo-original\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2 - 6.09oz Boxes of RICE PILAF Mix ORIGINAL by Near East\nNear East's original rice pilaf is made from premium parboiled long grain rice, toasted orzo and a delicious blend of herbs \u0026amp; spices.\nKosher Certified *OU*\u003cbr\u003eProduct Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.9 x 3.8 x 1 inches; 6.09 ounces\nItem model number ‏ : ‎ 1\nUPC ‏ : ‎ 072251001051\nUnits ‏ : ‎ 6.09 Ounce\nBest Sellers Rank: #9,267 in Grocery \u0026amp; Gourmet Food\nFlavor\tOrigina\nItem Weight\t6.09 Ounces\nNumber of Items\t1\nPackage Weight\t0.19 Kilograms\nVariety\tRice Pilaf\nCuisine\tMiddle Eastern\nSpecialty\tKosher\nAllergen Information\tWheat\n2 - 6.09oz Boxes of RICE PILAF Mix ORIGINAL by Near East\nNear East's original rice pilaf is made from premium parboiled long grain rice, toasted orzo and a delicious blend of herbs \u0026amp; spices.\nKosher Certified *OU*\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection class=\"geo-faq\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I take NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf camping or to a cabin?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The boxes are shelf-stable, lightweight, and only require a pot, water, butter, and a heat source — easy to pack for camping, cabin, or RV trips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it hold up at an outdoor potluck or buffet?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Cooked pilaf holds its texture well at room temperature for short windows and reheats easily, making it a reliable contribution to a backyard gathering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I cook it on a camp stove or grill-side burner?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The stovetop method works on any portable burner, camp stove, or RV cooktop. You only need to bring water to a boil, add the rice and seasoning, and simmer covered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Pack of 4 a good value for outdoor entertaining?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Buying in bulk lowers the per-serving cost, which matters when you are feeding a crowd at a tailgate, patio dinner, or cookout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it pair well with grilled chicken, kebabs, or lamb at an outdoor dinner?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a classic bed for grilled meats. The toasted orzo and Mediterranean seasoning complement grilled chicken, kebabs, lamb, and vegetables on the patio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I prep it ahead and transport it to an outdoor event?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Many home cooks make it the night before, refrigerate it, and reheat it in a covered dish at the gathering — it holds up well as leftovers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill humidity or heat at an outdoor event affect the cooked pilaf?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep it covered and out of direct sun. A shaded buffet table keeps it food-safe for the typical 1 to 2 hour serving window of an outdoor meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it work for a tailgate where I have limited cooking gear?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A single burner, small pot, and a cooler of water are enough. The 20-minute cook time fits within most pre-game prep windows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I cook it in a cast iron skillet over a fire pit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Cast iron works well. Add butter, the rice-orzo mix, water, and seasoning, then cover and simmer until the liquid absorbs for a rustic outdoor side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the packaging durable enough for transport in a cooler or pack?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cardboard box is sturdy enough for typical outdoor transport, and the inner seasoning packet is sealed. For extra protection, slip it into a zip bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does it compare to instant rice for outdoor meals?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has more flavor and a more interesting texture than instant rice, and it costs only a few cents more per serving for a noticeably better dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it better than bringing a pre-made rice salad to a potluck?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Pre-made salads can weep or spoil in warm conditions. A freshly cooked pilaf travels well, holds texture, and serves warm or at room temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it a lighter side for an outdoor summer dinner?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. You can reduce the butter and finish with olive oil and fresh herbs for a lighter summer side that pairs with grilled fish or chicken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill the box get crushed in my camping gear?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePack it on top of soft items or inside a small dry bag. If you are worried about crushing, the seasoning packet can be repacked into a zip bag to save the box itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat if I do not have refrigeration at the campsite?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnopened boxes are fully shelf-stable and need no refrigeration. Once cooked, follow standard food safety and consume within 2 hours in outdoor heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I cook NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf on the stovetop?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBring 1 3\/4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the rice-orzo mix and the enclosed seasoning packet, return to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I make it in the microwave?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Combine the rice-orzo mix, seasoning packet, 2 cups of water, and 1 tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, then let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I cook it in a rice cooker?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Add the rice-orzo mix, seasoning packet, the water amount recommended on the box, and a pat of butter to the rice cooker. Use the regular white rice setting and fluff when the cycle finishes. Customers report good results even in small cookers like the Rice Robot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it compatible with a gluten-free diet?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The product contains wheat from the orzo pasta, so it is not suitable for gluten-free diets. Always review the ingredient label for the most current allergen information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it work in a cast iron skillet?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Many home cooks use a cast iron skillet with butter, the rice mix, water, and seasoning, then cover and simmer. It also works well for breakfast preparations with green onion and a fried egg on top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is in the box when I open it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach 6.09 oz box contains a parboiled long grain rice and toasted orzo blend and a separate seasoning packet with the Mediterranean herb and spice mix. You supply water and butter or olive oil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it contain any major allergens?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The product contains wheat from the orzo pasta. It is OU Kosher certified. Always check the package for the most current allergen and ingredient information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long will the box stay fresh in my pantry?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoxes are shelf-stable, and customers consistently report at least a 6-month expiration date from purchase. Store in a cool, dry place for best quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between orzo pilaf and plain rice pilaf?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrzo pilaf mixes toasted orzo pasta with long grain rice for a chewier texture, more visual appeal, and a more substantial bite. Plain rice pilaf uses only rice and typically delivers a softer, more uniform texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"haulely","offers":[{"title":"6.09 Ounce (Pack of 4)","offer_id":46731098914988,"sku":"PGLB0D186YBTG","price":16.15,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6.09 Ounce (Pack of 1)","offer_id":46731098947756,"sku":"G3RB000EG7W6U","price":1.41,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0763\/1585\/2972\/files\/premium-parboiled-long-grain-rice-base-1.jpg?v=1783339533","url":"https:\/\/haulely.myshopify.com\/products\/near-east-rice-pilaf-portable-side-dish-for-camping-trips-and-cookouts","provider":"haulely","version":"1.0","type":"link"}