Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf (Printer-Friendly)

Nutty wild rice meets golden sautéed mushrooms in this hearty, comforting dish perfect for any table.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
02 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
03 - 1/2 cup water

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
08 - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
09 - 1 medium carrot, diced

→ Herbs & Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds, optional

# Direction Steps:

01 - In a medium saucepan, bring the wild rice, vegetable broth, and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
02 - While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
03 - Add the garlic and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden and their moisture has evaporated.
04 - Stir in the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, then remove the bay leaf.
05 - Gently fold the cooked wild rice into the mushroom mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley and optional toasted almonds. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutty and Earthy: The combination of wild rice and browned mushrooms provides deep, savory flavors.
  • Dietary Friendly: Naturally vegetarian and easily kept gluten-free for various dietary needs.
  • Simple Sophistication: An easy-to-prepare dish that looks and tastes elegant enough for special occasions.
02 -
  • Rice Prep: Always rinse your wild rice before cooking to ensure the best flavor and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Safety: To keep this dish gluten-free, double-check that your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
  • Moisture Control: If the rice finishes before all liquid is gone, be sure to drain it well to prevent the pilaf from becoming soggy.
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