Pilaf refers to how the rice is cooked.  A u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-cook-white-rice/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022color:#2e0459u0022 class=u0022has-inline-coloru0022u003eregular rice dishu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e is boiled, steamed or simmered until cooked.  When making a pilaf you sauté' the rice and in this recipe the orzo as well until it starts to brown to give a toasted somewhat nutty flavor as well as changing the texture slightly.