Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild Rice Pilaf

4 servings
This wild rice pilaf is the perfect accompaniment to any meal! With pecans, cranberries, celery, carrots, and herbs, it's full of flavor and impossible to resist.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend
  • 3 cups vegetable broth

    or chicken broth for non-vegetarian

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion

    finely chopped

  • 3 stalks celery

    diced

  • 1 medium carrot

    diced

  • 3 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary

    crushed

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

    optional, for a hint of sweetness

  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped pecans

    optional, for crunch

  • 2 green onions

    thinly sliced

  • Salt and pepper
    to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley

    chopped, for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Rinse the rice blend under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starch.

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the wild rice blend, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40–50 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, cooking until softened (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in the garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the dried cranberries, nuts, and green onions. Toss everything to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. 5

    Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild Rice Pilaf

65 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Looking for the perfect side dish to elevate your next meal? This flavorful Wild Rice Pilaf, brimming with hearty wild rice, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries, is an irresistible accompaniment that's sure to impress.

What sets this wild rice pilaf apart is its incredible depth of flavor, achieved through a vibrant medley of earthy herbs like thyme and rosemary, finely diced aromatics, and a delightful textural contrast from celery, carrots, and optional nuts. It's designed to complement any main course without overpowering it, offering a harmonious blend of savory, nutty, and subtly sweet notes.

Prepare to enjoy a side dish that's both elegant and comforting. You'll find a satisfying chew from the wild rice blend, brightened by the crispness of fresh green onions and the tender sweetness of sautéed vegetables. The optional dried cranberries add a welcome burst of tartness, while toasted pecans or slivered almonds provide a delightful crunch. This pilaf boasts a rich, savory profile, making it a versatile addition to your table, and it comes together efficiently, ready to serve in just over an hour.

This Wild Rice Pilaf is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to use either vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish or chicken broth if preferred. If you're not a fan of cranberries, you can simply omit them, and for the nuts, slivered almonds or chopped pecans both offer a fantastic crunch. You can also swap olive oil for butter when sautéing the vegetables for a richer flavor profile.

This versatile pilaf is an ideal side for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of sophistication. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and thinly sliced green onions for a vibrant presentation.

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