Description
A nutritious and flavorful wild rice pilaf featuring tender grains, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs. This hearty side dish combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with sautéed onions, carrots, and celery for a perfect complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Rice – Rinse wild rice under cold water until water runs clear, removing any debris or dust
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat, cook chopped onion until translucent (5 minutes), add garlic for 1 minute
- Step 3: Add Vegetables – Stir in diced carrots and celery, cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp
- Step 4: Combine and Cook – Add rinsed wild rice and vegetable broth, bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 45 minutes
- Step 5: Finish and Season – Fluff with fork, mix in fresh thyme leaves, season with salt and pepper to taste, serve warm
Notes
- Test wild rice doneness by tasting – grains should be tender but not mushy, with some still showing slight firmness
- Add extra broth if rice seems dry during cooking, as different brands may require varying liquid amounts
- Toast the wild rice in the pot for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid for enhanced nutty flavor
- Let the finished pilaf rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld perfectly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3/4 cup)
- Calories: 185 calories
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: wild rice pilaf, wild rice recipe, healthy side dish, vegetarian pilaf, rice pilaf, whole grain recipe