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Wild Rice Pilaf

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Wild Rice Pilaf is a hearty, flavorful side dish made with nutty wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal, whether as a side or a main dish.

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup wild rice
    2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
    1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
    1 small onion, chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
    1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
    Salt and pepper to taste
    1/4 cup toasted nuts (such as almonds or pecans), for garnish (optional)
    Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove debris and excess starch. Drain well.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
  4. Add thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  5. Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with toasted nuts and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute butter for olive oil and use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
  • For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and vegan butter.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
  • This pilaf is naturally gluten-free, making it great for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • For added sweetness, try adding dried cranberries or apricots.

Nutrition