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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.