Description
This Wild Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and nutritious side dish perfect for any meal, featuring a blend of wild rice toasted in olive oil and butter, sautéed onions and garlic, and enriched with toasted almonds and dried cranberries for a delightful texture and taste. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and complements roasted meats and holiday meals beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
- 2 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Butter: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Toast Rice: Add the rinsed wild rice blend to the saucepan and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the grains are evenly coated and aromatic.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 2 1/4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, then add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Rest: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently stir in the toasted slivered almonds, dried cranberries or cherries (if using), and chopped fresh parsley. Serve the pilaf warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- This pilaf pairs perfectly with roasted meats or holiday dinners.
- For added flavor, try sautéing diced mushrooms or celery along with the onions.
- If you prefer using 100% wild rice instead of a blend, increase the simmering time to about 60 minutes until tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
