There’s something truly special about a good rice pilaf—it’s simple, yet packed with flavor, and it pairs beautifully with just about anything. But Wild Rice Pilaf? Now that’s a whole new level of delicious! This dish is nutty, earthy, and bursting with texture, making every bite an absolute treat.
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Picture a medley of wild rice, perfectly cooked to tender perfection, mingling with sautéed aromatics, toasted nuts, and a touch of dried fruit for that perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty roast or enjoying it as a standalone dish, this pilaf is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something special.
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Wild Rice Pilaf
Versatile
This dish works as a side or a main course. Serve it with chicken, beef, or seafood, or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritious
Wild rice is packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making this pilaf a wholesome addition to any meal.
Rich in Flavor
Nutty wild rice, buttery sautéed onions, fragrant herbs, and a hint of sweetness from dried fruit—this dish is full of depth and complexity.
Easy to Customize
Toss in your favorite veggies, swap the nuts, or add fresh herbs to suit your taste. This recipe is easy to make your own!
Great for Meal Prep
Wild rice holds up beautifully in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients in Wild Rice Pilaf
Here’s what makes this pilaf so incredibly flavorful:
Wild Rice
The star of the dish! Wild rice has a slightly chewy texture and a deep, nutty flavor that makes this pilaf stand out.
Onion & Garlic
These aromatic ingredients build a flavorful base that enhances the natural nuttiness of the rice.
Carrots & Celery
A classic pilaf combo, adding sweetness, crunch, and a burst of color.
Butter & Olive Oil
A mix of butter and olive oil creates a rich, well-balanced flavor and helps everything sauté to perfection.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth
Cooking the rice in broth instead of water infuses it with extra savory goodness.
Toasted Nuts
Sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts add a delightful crunch and a hint of richness.
Dried Cranberries or Apricots
A little bit of dried fruit gives the pilaf a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
Fresh Herbs
Parsley, thyme, or rosemary add brightness and a touch of freshness.
Salt & Pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors in this dish.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this flavorful wild rice pilaf step by step:
Cook the Wild Rice
Rinse the wild rice under cold water, then bring the broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rice, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the grains are tender but still slightly chewy.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened and fragrant.
Toast the Nuts
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the nuts. Toast them lightly until they’re golden and fragrant—this step enhances their flavor!
Mix in the Rice
Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet and gently stir everything together. Let it cook for a few more minutes so the flavors meld.
Add the Dried Fruit
Stir in the dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a hint of sweetness that balances the dish.
Season & Garnish
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with fresh herbs for a final burst of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy!
Fluff the pilaf with a fork, serve warm, and enjoy its incredible blend of textures and flavors!
How to Serve Wild Rice Pilaf
This pilaf pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:
- With Roasted Meats: Perfect alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or beef.
- As a Vegetarian Main: Serve with a side salad and some roasted veggies for a complete plant-based meal.
- Topped with Protein: Add grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a protein-packed dish.
- Stuffed in Peppers or Squash: Use the pilaf as a delicious filling for bell peppers or roasted acorn squash.
Additional Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Wild rice has a bit of starch that can make it gummy. A quick rinse before cooking helps prevent this.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the rice sit for a few minutes before fluffing—it helps with texture.
- Make It Vegan: Swap butter for extra olive oil and use vegetable broth.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezer-Friendly: This pilaf freezes well! Just let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a wild rice blend instead of pure wild rice?
A1: Absolutely! A blend will cook a little faster and still taste great.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
Q3: What nuts work best in this recipe?
A3: Sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts all add great crunch and flavor.
Q4: Can I skip the dried fruit?
A4: Of course! The fruit adds a touch of sweetness, but it’s optional.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q6: Can I freeze this pilaf?
A6: Yes! It freezes well for up to 2 months.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A7: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
Q8: Can I add protein to this recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well.
Q9: What other vegetables can I add?
A9: Mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach are great additions.
Q10: How can I make this recipe even more flavorful?
A10: Toasting the rice before cooking adds an extra layer of depth!
Final Thoughts
This Wild Rice Pilaf is packed with texture, flavor, and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the star of your meal, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Try it out, mix in your favorite ingredients, and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy cooking!
Print
Wild Rice Pilaf
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Wild Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with a hearty wild rice blend, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of warming spices, it’s easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups wild rice blend, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Water, as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Wild Rice:
- In a saucepan, combine the wild rice blend and chicken broth.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes until tender.
- Add water as needed to prevent the pan from boiling dry.
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add celery and carrots, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in red bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add scallions and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
-
Combine & Season:
- Stir in poultry seasoning and curry powder. Remove from heat if the rice is still cooking.
- Once the rice is tender, drain well in a sieve.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix well. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Stir in fresh parsley.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional parsley.
Notes
- Substitutions: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Tip: Rinsing rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, keeping the grains separate.
- Instant Pot Instructions:
- Combine 2 ½ cups rice with 3 ⅛ cups broth or water.
- Lock lid and cook on HIGH for 20 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes or use quick release after 10 minutes.
- Make-Ahead: Can be made 1-2 days in advance and reheats well in the microwave.
- Freezer-Friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or microwave before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 216
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 12mg