{"product_id":"near-east-rice-pilaf-quick-desk-side-lunch-for-home-office-weeks-ready-in-20-minutes","title":"NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf – Quick Desk-Side Lunch for Home Office Weeks, Ready in 20 Minutes","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\u003eWill NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf distract me from work while it cooks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo — the stovetop or microwave method simmers quietly in the background for about 20 minutes, so you can keep working on your laptop or studies without constant monitoring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I keep a box at my desk for a fast lunch between meetings?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The 6.09 oz box is shelf-stable and pre-portioned, making it easy to store in a pantry, desk drawer, or shared office kitchen for unplanned meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the seasoning packet create a strong aroma that lingers in a small home office?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe herbs and spices release a pleasant, mild Mediterranean aroma that dissipates within minutes of cooking, so it will not overwhelm a small workspace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow fast can I go from starting dinner to eating when I'm working late?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost home cooks have the pilaf on the table in about 20 minutes from kettle to plate, which makes it a realistic option for a focused work-night dinner break.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I meal prep multiple boxes on Sunday for the work week?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The bulk Pack of 4 lowers the per-serving cost, and the rice holds up well as leftovers — many home cooks revive it with a handful of spinach for lunches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this a good option for a college student living in a dorm?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. It only needs boiling water, butter, and a small pot or microwave-safe bowl, which fits typical dorm and first-apartment cooking setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the pilaf actually fill you up between classes or study sessions?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe toasted orzo mixed with long grain rice creates a more substantial side than plain rice, and many customers use it as a light meal on its own with olive oil and a protein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill I need any special equipment to cook it during a busy week?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo special equipment is required. A small saucepan, water, and butter are all you need for the stovetop method, and it also works in most rice cookers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf cheaper per serving than ordering takeout on a work night?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A single box yields multiple side-dish servings at a fraction of typical delivery cost, and the Pack of 4 brings the per-serving price down even further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does a box stay fresh in my pantry between work weeks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustomers consistently report at least a 6-month expiration date from purchase, so you can comfortably stockpile the Pack of 4 without waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does this compare to microwavable rice cups for a busy schedule?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike single-serve rice cups, NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf yields a larger portion from one box, includes a toasted orzo and seasoning blend, and costs less per serving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it easier to make than ordering DoorDash on a packed day?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many customers, yes. Twenty minutes of mostly hands-off simmering beats waiting for delivery, and you control the ingredients and portion size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill I waste food if my schedule changes mid-week?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe box is shelf-stable until opened, so an unexpected schedule change will not spoil it. Once cooked, leftovers reheat well and can be repurposed into grain bowls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs 20 minutes really realistic when I only have a short break?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Active hands-on time is roughly 2 to 3 minutes; the rest is unattended simmering, so you can step away to finish a task and return to a ready side dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan the seasoning packet be skipped if I want plain rice while working?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can use only a portion of the seasoning packet, but most reviewers say the blend is what makes the product worth choosing over plain minute rice.\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":"Knacklos","offers":[{"title":"6.09 Ounce (Pack of 4)","offer_id":43588620320858,"sku":"RT9B0D186YBTG","price":12.07,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6.09 Ounce (Pack of 1)","offer_id":43588620353626,"sku":"ITCB000EG7W6U","price":1.41,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0740\/7969\/9034\/files\/premium-parboiled-long-grain-rice-base-1.jpg?v=1783084905","url":"https:\/\/knacklos.myshopify.com\/products\/near-east-rice-pilaf-quick-desk-side-lunch-for-home-office-weeks-ready-in-20-minutes","provider":"Knacklos","version":"1.0","type":"link"}