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Wild Rice Pilaf

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Wild rice pilaf is a hearty, aromatic side dish made with nutty wild rice, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and optional additions like dried fruit or nuts. It’s perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners, offering both rustic charm and refined flavor.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup wild rice or wild rice blend
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • Optional: 1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped pecans, toasted
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed

Instructions

  1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water and drain.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in wild rice and toast for 1 minute.
  6. Add broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40–50 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  9. Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh herbs and any optional mix-ins before serving.

Notes

  • Use a wild rice blend for a quicker cook time and color variety.
  • Add cranberries and nuts for a festive touch.
  • Vegetable broth makes this dish vegetarian or vegan.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/wild-rice-pilaf/