Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This wild rice pilaf is wholesome, aromatic, and satisfying. The combination of wild rice with sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs delivers deep flavor and a delightful texture in every bite. It’s gluten-free, easy to prepare, and makes a delicious alternative to plain white rice or potatoes. Plus, it holds up well for leftovers and works beautifully for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Wild rice or wild rice blend
- Onion
- Garlic
- Celery
- Carrot
- Olive oil or butter
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh or dried herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or sage)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Toast the rice: Add the wild rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and vegetables. Toast for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the broth and add herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Fluff and serve: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, including prep and cook time.
Variations
- Nutty pilaf: Add toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for crunch and flavor.
- Fruity twist: Stir in dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots for a touch of sweetness.
- Mushroom pilaf: Sauté chopped mushrooms with the vegetables for a rich, umami addition.
- Lemon-herb pilaf: Add fresh lemon juice and zest just before serving for a bright, fresh taste.
- Spiced version: Include warm spices like cumin or cinnamon for a Middle Eastern flair.
Storage/Reheating
Store wild rice pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
What is wild rice?
Wild rice is a water grass seed native to North America. It has a chewy texture, nutty flavor, and is high in protein and fiber.
Can I use a wild rice blend?
Yes, wild rice blends (which include brown or white rice) work well and often cook faster than pure wild rice.
Do I need to soak wild rice before cooking?
Soaking is optional but can reduce cooking time slightly. Rinse thoroughly before cooking either way.
Is wild rice pilaf gluten-free?
Yes, wild rice is naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores well and reheats nicely, making it great for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I serve with wild rice pilaf?
It pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, pork, grilled fish, or stuffed squash for a vegetarian option.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Yes, stir in cooked chicken, turkey, sausage, or chickpeas to turn it into a complete meal.
How do I prevent the rice from being too chewy?
Make sure to cook it long enough—true wild rice takes up to an hour to soften. Letting it sit after cooking helps too.
Can I use water instead of broth?
Yes, but using broth adds more depth of flavor. If using water, season generously.
How do I keep the pilaf from being mushy?
Use the right rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid overcooking. Let it steam at the end with the lid on for fluffy results.
Conclusion
Wild rice pilaf is a nutritious and flavorful side dish that brings texture and character to any meal. With its combination of hearty grains, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, it’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this versatile dish is a reliable favorite that tastes even better the next day.
PrintWild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is a hearty, aromatic side dish made with nutty wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and herbs. Naturally gluten-free and full of flavor, it’s a perfect complement to both meat-based and vegetarian meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice or wild rice blend
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add the wild rice and stir to coat in the oil and vegetables. Toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, stir in parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a wild rice blend for faster cooking (about 30–40 minutes).
- To reduce cook time, soak wild rice in water for several hours or overnight.
- Toast the rice briefly to enhance flavor and texture.
- Garnish with toasted nuts or dried fruits for variety.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
