Rustic Elk River Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf
A hearty wild rice pilaf studded with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs, perfect as a flavorful side or vegetarian main. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs wild rice blend, vegetable broth, 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 6, 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 1/2 cups wild rice blend
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend under cold water until water runs clear.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed wild rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 3: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and turn golden.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6: When rice is done, fluff with a fork and fold it into the mushroom mixture along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rustic Elk River 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 Rustic Elk River 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 blend from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Elk River 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 Rustic Elk River Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Rustic Elk River 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.
