“I’ve always enjoyed wild rice, and honestly, I don’t make this nearly enough. I’ve written this to be very customizable. If you want something simple to compliment a main course, such as fish, just stick to the basic recipe using water. But if you want your rice to stick out a little more and be its own star, use chicken broth and season with fresh herbs. Mushrooms can add a bit of umami. And carrots and fresh parsley also add some nice color to this dish.” – April Ferre
Wild Rice Pilaf
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Wild Rice Blend
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 Large Onion Chopped
- 2 to 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 Cups Water or Broth See Note
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper Optional
Optional Additions:
- 1 Large Carrot Finely Diced
- 2 Stalks Celery Finely Diced
- 8 Ounces Mushrooms Sliced or Chopped
- 1/3 Cup Slivered Almonds Toasted
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme, Oregano or Parsley
Instructions
- Wash rice and thoroughly drain.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion (along with carrot and celery, if using) and cook until soft and golden around the edges. Add garlic and cook about 30 seconds.
- Add rice and continue to cook until the lighter colored rice becomes opaque.
- Add in water or broth and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook rice for 45 to 55 minutes until very little steam is escaping the pan. Remove from heat and let sit for 15 minutes.
- For the mushrooms, melt butter in a fry pan until bubbly, add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally until browned. If desired, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of white wine and continue to cook until evaporated.
- Uncover rice and fluff with a fork. Mix in mushrooms, almonds and fresh herbs, as desired.
- Let sit another 5 minutes and serve.
Notes
Different rice blends require different amounts of liquid, adjust the amount according to the package instructions. For a more neutral, cleaner taste use water. For a more savory and complex flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth. If using broth, adjust the amount of salt as necessary.
2025 Recipe – April Ferre
