The flavors of the nutty, earthy wild rice combined with the sweet onion and sweet-tart cherries makes this wild rice pilaf the perfect alternative to rice pilaf when you’re feeling like something a little more festive. Top it with lemon zest to enhance the flavors of the season in this easy-to-make side dish that pairs so well with the main attraction on your table. I don’t know about you, but for me I am all about the sides on the holidays! From cornbread and sausage stuffing to cheesy scalloped potatoes there’s so much to look forward to! In this recipe I am using a gorgeous wild rice blend. It combines black rice, brown rice, red rice and wild rice to make this nutrient dense dish. While it’s perfect for the holiday season, you can also make it and serve year-round.
Why This Recipe Works
It makes fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time You can make it on the stove or in the slow cooker! It’s an easy holiday side dish with minimal prep. You can make it ahead of time and it reheats really well. It’s a fun switch up from your usual rice dishes Full of fresh flavor and a gorgeous addition to your holiday spread!
Wild rice blend: using a wild rice blend is both beautiful and versatile so you can serve it all year long. My favorite blend is the Lundberg Family Farms brand. Unsalted butter: I love using unsalted butter in my recipes because it gives me complete control over the flavors in my recipes. Onion: slightly caramelized sweet onions add a wonderful depth of flavor to the wild rice pilaf. Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will have add a potent flavor and aroma. The onion and garlic a must have aromatics in any rice pilaf in my opinion! Kosher Salt: I like cooking with Kosher Salt because it is made solely of sodium chloride. Unlike other salt, It usually doesn’t contain any trace minerals, iodine, or anti-clumping or anti-caking agents. Black pepper: There’s nothing better than freshly cracked black peppercorns. It’s a control thing for me, as you can control the texture (by selecting your grind) and flavor. It’s just all around a better, more flavorful option. Chicken broth: use your favorite, or low-sodium option. Fresh lemon juice & lemon zest for garnish: Lemon juice and zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Dried cherries: I love mixing things up during the holidays by tossing in sweet-tart dried cherries. Dried cranberries are commonly used but the cherries add a special touch. Pecans: Toasting pecans releases their natural oils and brings out a more robust nutty flavor which pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of the wild rice blend. Fresh parsley: Fresh parsley is clean and peppery and slightly understated which makes it the perfect topping to my very flavorful Wild Rice Pilaf.
