I still remember the first time I made wild rice and mushroom pilaf for a holiday gathering. My family, a mix of meat eaters and vegetarians, was skeptical at first. But as soon as they took their first bite, they were hooked! This dish is full of earthy flavors, has a satisfying chewy texture, and is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy, plant-based meal. Whether you’re looking for a perfect side dish or a vegetarian main dish, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.

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What Is Wild Rice Pilaf?

A pilaf is a dish where rice is cooked in a flavorful cooking liquid, often combined with fresh vegetables and herbs. Wild rice pilaf recipe takes this concept to the next level by using a wild rice mix, which can include long grain wild rice, brown rice, red rice, black rice, and white rice. This mix gives it a unique nutty flavor and chewier texture compared to traditional rice dishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Wild Rice And Mushroom Pilaf

• Bursting with flavor – The combination of wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, and wild rice blend creates a heavenly taste.
  
  
• Easy meal – Made with simple ingredients from your local grocery store.
  
  
• Vegan-friendly – This recipe is 100% plant-based, with an option to use vegan butter for extra richness.
  
  
• Nutritious – Packed with dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients.
  
  
• Perfect for special occasions – A must-have dish for your holiday table, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas.

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Equipment List

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Strainer

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious recipe:

For the Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf:

• 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or vegetable stock for a richer taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegan butter for a creamy texture)
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh mushrooms (a mix of baby bella mushrooms, button mushrooms, and forestiere mushrooms)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, adds depth of flavor)
• 1/3 cup toasted almonds (for crunch)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for a touch of sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Garnish:

• Extra fresh parsley
• A drizzle of olive oil

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Step-By-Step Instructions for Wild Rice And Mushroom Pilaf

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice Blend

1. In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
   
   
2. Rinse the wild rice mix under cold water and add it to the pot.
   
   
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low heat, cover, and let simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the wild rice blend is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
   
   
4. Drain any excess liquid and fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   
   
2. Add yellow onion and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
   
3. Toss in the fresh mushrooms, seasoning with black pepper, salt, and fresh thyme.
   
   
4. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
   
   
5. If using, pour in dry white wine and let it simmer until the alcohol evaporates.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Stir the cooked wild rice blend into the mushroom mixture in the large skillet.
   
   
2. Mix in toasted almonds and dried cranberries.
   
   
3. Remove from heat and fold in fresh parsley.
   
   
4. Serve warm as a great side dish or main course, garnished with more parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4-6

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210
Protein	7g
Carbohydrates	34g
Total Fat	7g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Vitamin C	6%
Sodium	350mg
Cholesterol	0mg

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Cooking Tips & Variations

• Make it extra creamy – To make Wild Rice And Mushroom Pilaf creamy, you can stir in a bit of vegan butter or a splash of coconut cream at the end of cooking. Another option is to add a dollop of cashew cream or a spoonful of plant-based yogurt for extra richness. If you prefer a cheesy flavor, nutritional yeast is a great addition that keeps the dish vegan while enhancing its creaminess!
  
  
• Use an Instant Pot – To make instant pot wild rice pilaf, pressure cook on high for 22 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10 minutes.
  
  
• Try a slow cooker – Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
  
  
• Experiment with different mushrooms – Try a mix of variety of mushrooms, like wild mushrooms or heartier blends.
  
  
• Storage Tip – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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Serving Suggestions

This wild rice mushroom pilaf pairs beautifully with:

• Green salad – A fresh, crunchy salad balances the nutty wild rice.
  
  
• Side dishes – Serve with roasted vegetables.
  
  
• Main course – Enjoy as a vegetarian main dish, or pair with protein for meat eaters.

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Explore other savoury vegan recipes below:

• Vegan recipes
• Vegan Carbonara (With Creamy Sauce)
• Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup | Easy & Creamy Recipe
• Mouth-Watering Vegan Soup Dumplings Recipe
• Easy Chinese Claypot Tofu With Mushrooms (Vegan)
• Easy Hunan Tofu Recipe | Vegan & Hot Chinese Food
• Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe – Easy Comfort Food
• Crock Pot Gluten Free Mac and Cheese (Vegan Option)
• Vegan Gluten-Free Chili Con Carne Recipe
• Easy Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe 

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Conclusion

This wild rice and mushroom pilaf is a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal. Whether you’re making it for special occasions or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s a perfect recipe that’s easy to prepare and full of earthy flavors. Give it a try, and let me know how you liked it!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! You can mix brown rice, red rice, black rice, and white rice for a different texture, but the wild rice blend gives the best results.

2. How can I make this wild rice and mushroom pilaf recipe more filling?

Add chickpeas, lentils, or tofu to turn it into a heartier and complete meal.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a large saucepan over medium heat with a splash of broth.

4. Can I freeze wild rice and mushroom pilaf?

Yes! Store it in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5. Can I make wild rice and mushroom pilaf ahead of time?

Yes! Wild Rice And Mushroom Pilaf is a great make-ahead dish. Simply prepare the pilaf as directed, allow it to cool to room temperature, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in a large skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of vegetable broth or water to maintain moisture. This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping or holiday gatherings!

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