Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms and Pecans
A hearty and elegant side dish featuring nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and toasted pecans. This pilaf is seasoned with savory herbs and cooked in a rich broth, making it perfect for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 55 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rice and Nuts
- b.Rinse the wild rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- c.In a large, dry pot or Dutch oven, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
- b.In the same pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- d.Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to allow them to brown. Then, stir and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until they have released their liquid and are golden brown.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried sage. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Pilaf
- b.Add the rinsed wild rice to the pot. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains and coat them in the aromatics.
- c.Pour in the vegetable broth, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- d.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 45-55 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
- e.Check the rice after 45 minutes. It is done when the grains have split open and are tender but still have a slight chew.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and Finish
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice.
- c.Uncover the pot and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- d.Fold in the toasted pecans and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the pilaf warm as an elegant side dish.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, use chicken or mushroom broth instead of vegetable broth.
- 2Don't skip the 10-minute resting period. It allows the rice to absorb any remaining steam, resulting in a fluffier texture.
- 3Ensure your mushrooms get a good brown sear. This caramelization adds a significant layer of umami flavor to the dish.
- 4If the liquid is absorbed before the rice is fully cooked, add another 1/2 cup of hot broth or water and continue to simmer.
- 5Rinsing the wild rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent a gummy texture in the final dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Make it a complete meal by adding 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken, crumbled Italian sausage, or a can of drained chickpeas along with the parsley and pecans at the end.
Fruity & SweetFruity & Sweet
For a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the earthy flavors, stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots during the last 5 minutes of resting.
Different NutsDifferent Nuts
If you don't have pecans, this pilaf is also delicious with toasted walnuts, slivered almonds, or pistachios.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber and Antioxidants
Wild rice is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. Both wild rice and pecans are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.
Supports Heart Health
The monounsaturated fats in pecans and olive oil contribute to good heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels. The fiber in the dish also plays a role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Rich in Plant-Based Nutrients
This dish provides a good source of plant-based protein from the wild rice and pecans. Mushrooms offer B vitamins and minerals like selenium, making this a well-rounded and nutrient-dense side dish.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's quite healthy. Wild rice is a whole grain packed with fiber, protein, and minerals. The mushrooms and pecans add more nutrients, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Using low-sodium broth and controlling the butter makes it a very nutritious side dish.