Wild Rice Pilaf
This Wild Rice Pilaf is a tasty mix of nutty wild rice, sweet carrots, onions, and cranberries, with a crunch from nuts. It's easy to cook and goes great with many main dishes. A colorful, yummy side that's sure to be a hit at any meal!
Servings: 6
Calories: 239kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice blend rinsed well
- 2½ cup vegetable broth low sodium
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans chopped, or walnuts
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed wild rice blend, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If there is any excess liquid, drain it off.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- If using dried cranberries or cherries, add them to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- When the rice is done, add it to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Mix well to combine, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- If using nuts, stir in the chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
- Serve the wild rice pilaf as a side dish or as a base for your choice of protein.
Notes
- Rice Selection: Opt for a wild rice blend for varied textures and flavors. Remember, wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so plan accordingly.
- Broth Choice: Using vegetable broth adds depth, but you can also use chicken broth for a different flavor profile. Low-sodium options are best for controlling the salt content.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers or peas. This recipe is great for customizing based on what you have on hand.
- Nut Choices: Pecans add a sweet crunch, but walnuts or almonds work well too. If there are nut allergies, simply omit them or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- Make It a Main Dish: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, tofu, or beans to the pilaf.
- Herbs for Freshness: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can also try thyme or rosemary for a different twist.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 409mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2216IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
