Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove debris and excess starch. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed wild rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and grains split open. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- While the rice cooks, heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Add mushrooms (if using) and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Add thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with toasted nuts and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.