Description
A hearty and flavorful side dish made with tender wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and optional additions like dried cranberries and nuts. This pilaf is perfect for complementing a variety of main courses and adds a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup wild rice (or a wild rice blend)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Wild Rice:
- Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the wild rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes (or according to the package instructions) until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If any liquid remains after cooking, drain it off.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to brown.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Combine and Season:
- Stir the cooked wild rice into the sautéed vegetables, mixing everything together.
- Add the dried cranberries or raisins (if using), slivered almonds or pecans, parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat and Serve:
- Let the pilaf cook together for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with more fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a bit of cooked bacon to the vegetables.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, especially with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg