Description
Hearty wild rice pilaf brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with its aromatic blend of herbs and nutty grains. Rich flavors and textures invite you to explore a comforting culinary journey through simple yet elegant ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups wild rice blend, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Vegetables:
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Seasonings:
- Water, as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
Instructions
- Prepare rice foundation by gently combining wild rice blend with aromatic chicken broth, incorporating a delicate balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Allow liquid to reach a vigorous boil, then reduce temperature to a gentle simmer, permitting rice to transform and soften over 30-45 minutes.
- Monitor liquid levels periodically, supplementing with water to prevent scorching and ensure consistent moisture throughout cooking process.
- Simultaneously, activate a large skillet with a harmonious blend of butter and oil, creating a golden cooking surface.
- Introduce robust vegetables – crisp celery and vibrant carrots – sautéing until they develop slight tenderness and caramelized edges.
- Incorporate bright red bell peppers, continuing to enhance vegetable medley with gentle movement and consistent heat.
- Elevate flavor profile by adding delicate scallions and fragrant garlic, allowing aromatics to release their essence.
- Sprinkle poultry seasoning and exotic curry powder, infusing the vegetable mixture with complex, layered notes.
- Carefully drain cooked rice through a fine-meshed sieve, eliminating excess moisture.
- Merge rice with vegetable mixture, creating a harmonious culinary composition.
- Assess and refine seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Finish dish with fresh, verdant parsley, adding brightness and visual appeal.
- Transfer to elegant serving vessel, garnishing with additional herbaceous parsley sprigs.
Notes
- Customize the rice blend by mixing different varieties like brown, wild, and white rice for a unique texture and flavor profile.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and allow more seasoning flexibility during cooking.
- Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and improve overall depth of taste.
- Substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy version that works perfectly for vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg