Description
Savory Wild Rice Pilaf with Herbs & Cranberries
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
A hearty, flavorful side dish featuring nutty wild rice, fluffy white rice, sweet sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs—a guaranteed table favorite!
Ingredients
Rice & Broth:
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4 cups beef stock (or mushroom broth for vegetarian)
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4 bay leaves
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4 sprigs fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried sage)
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2 cups wild rice, rinsed
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3 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
Vegetables & Flavor:
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6 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 medium onions, finely chopped (~2½ cups)
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2 large carrots, finely chopped (~2 cups)
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2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Add-ins & Garnish:
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1½ cups dried cranberries
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½ cup toasted sliced almonds (optional)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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¼ cup fresh chives or parsley, minced
Instructions
1. Cook the Wild Rice
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In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine beef stock, bay leaves, sage, and rinsed wild rice.
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Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add White Rice
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Stir in the white rice, cover, and simmer for another 18–20 minutes.
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Remove from heat, discard bay leaves and sage, and fluff the rice with a fork.
3. Sauté Vegetables
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add onions, carrots, and 2 tsp kosher salt.
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Sauté 10–12 minutes until onions are translucent with some golden edges.
4. Combine & Finish
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Fold the vegetable mixture into the rice.
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Stir in dried cranberries and toasted almonds (if using).
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Drizzle with olive oil and fold gently.
5. Add Fresh Herbs & Adjust
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Stir in minced chives or parsley.
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Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Notes
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Fall Harvest: Add 1 cup diced roasted butternut squash; swap sage for fresh thyme.
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Protein Boost: Fold in 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or 1 can drained chickpeas.
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Nut Swap: Replace almonds with toasted pecans or walnuts.
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Zesty Twist: Use vegetable broth, swap cranberries for dried cherries, and add zest & juice of 1 orange.
Nutrition
- Calories: 230 cal Per Serving
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g