Edina Inspired Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf
A hearty pilaf combining nutty wild rice and earthy mushrooms, inspired by the natural beauty of Edina along the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail. This american-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs wild rice, water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium, finely chopped shallots
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 tsp leaves fresh thyme
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup wild rice under cold running water. In a medium saucepan, combine wild rice with 3 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until rice is tender and water absorbed.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped shallots and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release moisture and edges become golden brown.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves and 1 cup vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until broth reduces slightly and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Drain any excess liquid from cooked wild rice and fold rice gently into the mushroom mixture. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Transfer pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Edina Inspired Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Edina Inspired Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep wild rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Edina Inspired Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Edina Inspired Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Edina Inspired Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.