Sometimes, I love spending time on a truly amazing side dish and serving it up with something simple as a main. Side dishes have so much potential to steal the show of the meal, and this is no exception! We enjoyed this mushroom and wild rice pilaf with simple seared salmon for dinner. But I kept going in for seconds – and thirds! – of the pilaf. This would be a great side dish for Thanksgiving or any holiday, but is delicious year round and easy enough to make for a casual weeknight dinner. Mushrooms and brown butter are a match made in heaven (and this is a twist on one of my favorite other recipes – one pot brown butter orzo and mushrooms – made gluten-free and with a few other changes). The sweet and plump raisins and crunchy slivered almonds will have you wanting to eat this all the time – as a side, or even as a light main course!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Wild Rice Blend – I love RiceSelect Royal Rice Blend because it has a great combination of textures and flavors and is fast to cook. Keep in mind: other blends of wild rice, and especially pure wild rice, may take longer to cook or require different liquid ratios. Check the package directions and adjust the amount of broth and time to cook accordingly.Sliced Mushrooms – I used baby portobello, or cremini, since they are widely available and pretty flavorful. Use whatever kind you want, or a mix.Butter – or a vegan substitute, or olive oil in a pinch (and skip the browning part).Broth – chicken or vegetable will do, or water in a pinch.Raisins – or dried cranberries.Fresh oregano – or dried, or thyme if you prefer.Slivered almonds – or sliced almonds, or another nut of choice (like pecans or walnuts). You can also use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version but still enjoy that crunch (or just omit entirely).
How to make Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf
Other mushroom recipes
Mushroom Brie SoupSalisbury Steak with Mushroom GravyHealthy Chicken Mushroom StroganoffCreamy Chicken and MushroomsWild Rice and Mushroom Casserole
What to serve with Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf
Roast ChickenSlow Cooker Turkey BreastGreek Meatballs (Keftedes)Chicken Zucchini MeatballsTop with a fried eggPork Chops
