This Wild Rice Pilaf is a wholesome, nutritious side dish that pairs the naturally earthy and nutty flavor of wild rice with aromatic vegetables, savory spices, and fresh herbs. With just 5 minutes of prep, it's a mostly hands off recipe that can simmer away while you prepare the rest of the meal. It's the perfect side dish for the colder months of the year and has a hearty, comforting flavor that brings any meal together!
Wild rice is a unique, highly nutrient-dense grain harvested from shallow lakes and marshes across the United States. It's known for its dark color, uniquely nutty flavor, and chewy texture. Unlike other varieties of rice, wild rice is flavorful on its own. I like it as a side dish instead of regular brown or white rice with meaty entrees that can withstand a little competition. Serve with a showstopping main course, like Roast Turkey or Pork Tenderloin, or your favorite vegetarian main dish. It's one of my go-to side dishes when the temperatures drop.
Why You'll Love This Wild Rice Pilaf
- Rich, nutty flavor. Wild rice is known for having a grassy, nutty flavor that stands out from regular rice. Especially when infused with vegetable broth, spices, and herbs, this wild rice pilaf adds so much extra flavor and makes any meal more interesting.
- Naturally vegetarian. Every element of this recipe is plant-based, making it an easy side dish to accommodate a range of dietary preferences. It's also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
- Great for entertaining. Since the wild rice recipe is infused with fresh herbs and spices, it's flavorful enough to serve like a salad at a holiday potluck or as a featured side for a special main course. It's a great addition to any holiday meal!
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Wild Rice Pilaf, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- avocado oil - to sauté the aromatics. Olive oil is a good alternative.
- aromatics - finely chop fresh garlic, onion, and carrots.
- stock - vegetable stock to plump up the rice grains. If not vegetarian, substitute chicken stock.
- wild rice - rinsed well and drained. Be sure to choose straight wild rice, not a wild rice mix.
- seasonings - use paprika, ground turmeric powder, ground cumin, salt and black pepper for a savory, smoky flavor.
- fresh herbs - including dill and parsley.
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large pot with a lid, a spoon or spatula, and a fork for fluffing.
How to Make the Best Wild Rice Pilaf
- Sauté aromatics. Heat oil in a large cooking pot over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add onion, garlic and carrot. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add rice and seasoning. Add rice, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and dill. Mix well until evenly combined and cook for 1 minute.
- Add stock and simmer. Add vegetable stock, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 40 minutes, until the rice is cooked and water is all absorbed. Open the lid occasionally to let the steam escape and ensure the liquid does not overflow. The cooked wild rice should be tender and the kernels are burst open.
- Rest. Turn off the heat and let it sit for another 10 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Recipe Variations
- Play with add-ins. This recipe can be expanded in many different ways. Add dried cranberries, diced apples, pecans, or walnuts, or incorporate different herbs, like fresh thyme.
- Add protein. Stir in browned sausage crumbles to make this wild rice pilaf recipe even more filling. For a vegan option, stir in plump, tender lentils or garbanzo beans at the end of the cooking time.
- Add some citrus. Squeeze a little fresh orange or lemon juice over top for a bright flavor.
How to Serve
This Wild Rice Pilaf is delicious served as a side dish paired with some of my favorite entrees including:
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken
- Roast Beef
- Honey Glazed Roast Pork
- Stuffed Pumpkin
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don't overcook. Wild rice has a unique texture and can become mushy if overcooked. Monitor the cooking time and check for doneness by tasting a few grains. When done, the grains will pop open and should be tender, slightly al dente, and have a slight chew.
- Use real wild rice. You may find a wild rice blend in your local grocery store, which mixes different types of rice together. Real wild rice has a very dark brownish-black color and does not have grains with different colors.
- Layer flavors. This recipe infuses flavor deep into each grain of rice by sautéing the aromatics, blooming the spices, and using flavorful broth. Using water or skipping any of these steps will result in a less flavorful dish.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Allow the wild rice pilaf to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
How to Reheat
For best results, reheat the wild rice on the stovetop. Preheat a skillet over medium heat, then add the pilaf and a bit of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until the rice and vegetables are heated through, then top with fresh herbs.
FAQ
Yes, wild rice is naturally gluten-free, making wild rice pilaf a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Look for plain wild rice, not a wild rice blend, which may contain other gluten-containing grains.
Rinsing wild rice removes excess starch and any debris, resulting in a fluffier texture and preventing it from becoming gummy during cooking. This simple step helps ensure a better finished dish.
Yes, you can overcook any type of rice. The best way to avoid soggy, mushy wild rice is to follow a tested recipe (like this one) and watch the water. It should all be absorbed during the cooking process. You can tell the rice is done when it bursts open and has a tender texture.
More Wild Rice Recipes
- 30 Best Rice Recipes
- Creamy Wild Rice Soup
- Beef Wild Rice Soup
- Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice
- Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
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Recipe
Wild Rice Pilaf
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Wild Rice Pilaf is a wholesome, nutritious side dish that pairs the naturally earthy and nutty flavor of wild rice with aromatic vegetables, savory spices, and fresh herbs. With just 5 minutes of prep, it's a mostly hands off recipe that can simmer away while you prepare the rest of the meal. It's the perfect side dish for the colder months of the year and has a hearty, comforting flavor that brings any meal together!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrot, diced
- 2 cups uncooked wild rice, rinsed well and drained
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 4 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large cooking pot over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add onion, garlic and carrot. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add rice, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and dill. Mix well until evenly combined and cook for 1 minute.
- Add vegetable stock, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 40 minutes, until the rice is cooked and water is all absorbed. Open the lid occasionally to let the steam escape and ensure the liquid does not overflow. The cooked wild rice should be tender and the kernels are burst open.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit for another 10 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Notes
How to store: Allow the wild rice pilaf to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
How to reheat: For best results, reheat the wild rice on the stovetop. Preheat a skillet over medium heat, then add the pilaf and a bit of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until the rice and vegetables are heated through, then top with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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