Wild Rice Oven Pilaf
A hearty wild rice oven pilaf combining nutty flavors with vegetables and toasted pecans, perfect as a side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, combine boiling water and butter; stir until butter is melted.
- Stir in brown rice, wild rice, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the casserole dish.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 70 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking.
- Stir in shredded carrots and frozen peas.
- Cover and bake for about 10 minutes more or until rice is tender.
- Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion in the butter before adding it to the casserole. You can substitute quinoa for the wild rice if desired, or use a mix of brown and white rice. To cut down on cooking time, soak the wild rice for a couple of hours prior to cooking. This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it a perfect side for your next meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Wild Rice Oven Pilaf pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile side dish. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. For added texture, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. It also complements well with vegetarian recipes, enhancing any plant-based menu.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out, then microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice Oven Pilaf contains roughly 627 calories, with 8g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (117% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1858mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant rice instead of regular brown rice?
Using instant rice is not recommended as it will cook much faster and may result in a mushy texture. Stick with regular brown rice for the best results, or try other whole grains like farro or barley if you're looking for a different flavor and texture.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for the butter?
Yes, you can easily substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, like frozen peas, are also labeled gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Wild Rice Oven Pilaf vegan, simply replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it a great option for those following a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).