Description
Wild mountain forests inspire this rustic Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf, blending earthy woodland flavors with hearty grains. Savory herbs and tender mushrooms create a comforting dish you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 1 Fuji or honeycrisp apple, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups apple juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (to taste)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- Fresh thyme (optional garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth, apple juice, Dijon mustard, butter, salt, pepper, dried herbs, and bay leaf in a large nonstick skillet, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Introduce wild rice to the liquid, reduce heat to low, and cover. Gently simmer for 45-60 minutes, periodically stirring and adding water if the liquid evaporates too quickly.
- Verify rice tenderness after 45 minutes, ensuring most liquid has been absorbed. Drain rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer and set aside.
- Melt remaining butter in the same skillet over medium heat, then elevate temperature to medium-high. Sauté diced onions and chopped apple until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Incorporate minced garlic and quickly toast for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Reintroduce cooked rice to the skillet, folding it gently with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle dried cranberries and toasted pecans throughout the mixture.
- Drizzle apple cider vinegar incrementally, adjusting to preferred tanginess. Taste and modulate the amount as needed.
- Thoroughly combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley sprigs for a vibrant presentation. Serve piping hot as a delightful side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Enhance the wild rice’s nutty flavor by toasting it lightly in butter before adding liquid for a deeper, richer taste profile.
- Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly and maintain the same depth of flavor.
- Control liquid absorption carefully by checking rice consistency at 45-minute mark, preventing potential mushiness or dryness during cooking process.
- Customize the pilaf by experimenting with different dried fruits like golden raisins or chopped dried apricots instead of cranberries for varied sweetness and texture.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg