Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe

Introduction

Wild rice pilaf is a hearty and flavorful side dish that brings nutty, earthy notes to your meal. It’s simple to prepare and packed with wholesome vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion.

A close-up of a white speckled bowl filled with mixed wild and white rice, showing small pieces of orange carrot and green celery scattered evenly throughout the layers of rice, along with flecks of fresh green parsley on top, all set on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth beside the bowl, blurred warm lights in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup wild rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (use a gluten-free brand if needed)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the wild rice in the vegetable broth according to the package instructions until tender and liquid is absorbed.
  2. Step 2: While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and gently mix in the sautéed vegetables and chopped parsley.
  4. Step 4: Serve warm as a delicious side to your main dish.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, toast the wild rice in olive oil for a few minutes before adding the broth.
  • Add toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch.
  • Include dried cranberries or chopped mushrooms to vary the texture and taste.
  • Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian option.

Storage

Store leftover wild rice pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a textured mix of cooked wild rice and white rice, showing layers of small, green celery pieces and bright orange carrot cubes evenly spread throughout. The rice grains have a slightly glossy look, and there are scattered bits of fresh green parsley on top. The bowl sits on a soft gray cloth over a white marbled textured surface, with blurred warm lights and green leaves in the background adding a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different. Wild rice has a chewy texture and nutty flavor, while white rice is softer and milder.

How long does wild rice take to cook?

Wild rice typically takes 40 to 50 minutes to cook, depending on the brand and method. Check package instructions for best results.

Print

Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe

A hearty and wholesome Wild Rice Pilaf featuring nutty wild rice cooked to perfection in vegetable broth, combined with sautéed aromatic vegetables and fresh parsley for a flavorful, gluten-free side dish that’s perfect for any meal.

  • Author: Sana
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Grains & Broth

  • 1 cup wild rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Oils & Fats

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice under cold water, then combine it with 2 cups of vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer according to package instructions, typically about 45-50 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent but not browned.
  3. Combine and Garnish: Once the wild rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer to a large bowl or back into the pan. Gently toss the sautéed vegetables and chopped fresh parsley into the rice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

  • For added texture and flavor, consider toasting the wild rice in olive oil for a few minutes before cooking.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegan or vegetarian.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Add nuts like toasted pecans or almonds for crunch, or dried cranberries for sweetness if desired.

Keywords: wild rice pilaf, gluten free side dish, vegetable pilaf, healthy rice recipe, vegan pilaf

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