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
Units
Scale
- 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