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This image shows a vibrant dish of wild rice pilaf, filled with roasted vegetables, cranberries, and pecans, ready to be served

Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild rice pilaf is a fragrant and nutritious dish made with nutty wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This hearty side complements a variety of main courses, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

  • Fork
  • Medium saucepan
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into small cubes
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup shaved Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup dry brown rice
  • 2 tbsp plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 shallots, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ tsp sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a medium saucepan, mix the rice, water, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.
    This image shows a pot of rice being brought to a boil, then covered, with the heat reduced to allow it to simmer for 45 minutes until the water is absorbed.
  • Once done, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork afterward.
  • On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the sweet potatoes and shallots.
    This image shows sweet potatoes and shallots neatly arranged on a prepared baking sheet, ready to be roasted in the oven
  • Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Toss to ensure they are well coated and spread them out evenly.
  • Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned.
    This image shows sweet potatoes and shallots roasting in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned.
  • While the rice is still warm, mix it with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, grated garlic, thyme, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
  • Add the roasted sweet potatoes, shallots, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, pecans, and parsley, tossing everything together until well combined.
    This image shows roasted sweet potatoes, shallots, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, pecans, and parsley being added to the warm rice and gently tossed together
  • Adjust seasoning as needed, garnish with additional parsley, and serve.
    This image shows the finished rice pilaf being tasted to adjust seasoning, then garnished with extra parsley for a fresh, colorful presentation

Notes

  • Using a brown rice and wild rice blend adds unique flavor and texture; adjust cooking time according to the specific type of rice.