This vegetarian wild rice pilaf is an easy to make side dish that's perfect for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Made with pecans, mushrooms and cranberries, it's a flavorful dish that works wonderfully with your roast turkey.
Toast pecans in a large pot for 1 – 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
Melt 2 Tbsp butter in the same pot and add sliced mushrooms. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and caramelized. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer to the bowl with pecans and cover to keep warm.
Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add onion. Cook until tender and translucent. Add celery, rice, thyme, salt and black pepper. Stir wild rice blend together and cook for 1 minute, toasting rice. Add in 1/2 cup of stock and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add remaining broth and bring rice & stock up to a simmer. Turn heat to low, cover and cook for 45 - 50 minutes without opening the lid or stirring the rice. (time will vary depending on the type of rice you are using. Check rice package instructions)
Remove pot from heat and let stand for 10 minutes without opening the lid. After 10 minutes, fluff rice with a fork, and stir in mushrooms, toasted pecans and dried cranberries. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
NOTES
The amount of vegetable stock and cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice/rice blend you are using. Check the instructions on the back of the rice package.
Make this wild rice pilaf vegan by using a plant-based butter.
Let the cooked rice stand for 10 minutes after cooking. This will help to get rid of any excess moisture and the rice will be lighter and fluffier.
NUTRITION
Nutrition Facts
Wild Rice Pilaf
Amount Per Serving
Calories 379Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 858mg36%
Potassium 403mg12%
Carbohydrates 45g15%
Fiber 5g20%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 484IU10%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 31mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.