Hey there, friends! Let me introduce you to the coziest, most flavorful side dish you’ll make this season: Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf. This dish is earthy, nutty, and filled with vibrant veggies—perfect for a weeknight family dinner or serving alongside a roasted chicken at your next gathering. It’s also ridiculously easy to make. If you’re new to wild rice or a fan of easy Instant Pot recipes, you’re in for a treat.
“If ‘simple yet impressive’ is the vibe you’re after, this pilaf delivers every time.”
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– **Hands-off Cooking**: The Instant Pot does all the hard work while you prep the rest of dinner (or just relax!).
– **Packed with Flavor**: The wild rice has a fantastic, nutty taste, plus there’s a medley of onions, garlic, and herbs to round out every bite.
– **Good for You**: It’s hearty, wholesome, and naturally gluten-free, making it an option everyone can love.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: Cook it once, enjoy it all week! It’s excellent as a side dish or even a hearty base for a grain bowl.
### **Ingredients Breakdown**
#### Essentials:
– **Wild Rice Blend**: Wild rice is a must for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. You can use a blend or pure wild rice; both work beautifully.
– **Vegetables**: Diced onion, celery, and carrots are classic for pilaf, adding color, flavor, and subtle sweetness.
– **Chicken or Vegetable Broth**: For rich, savory flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, go with vegetable broth.
– **Garlic & Herbs**: A classic combination of garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf brings depth to the dish.
– **Butter or Olive Oil**: Adds a touch of richness to the rice and helps sauté the veggies.
#### Pro Tips:
– Short on wild rice? Swap half with jasmine or basmati rice for a softer texture and shorter cooking time.
– Want to add extra zest? Zest a lemon over the finished pilaf for brightness.
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### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Base**: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the butter or olive oil. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
2. **Add Garlic & Seasoning**: Toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. **Rinse the Rice**: Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water to remove excess starch. Shake off the excess water.
4. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot. Pour in the broth, giving everything a quick stir to distribute the flavors evenly.
5. **Cook Under Pressure**: Close the lid, ensure the valve is set to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before using the quick release.
6. **Fluff & Finish**: Open the lid, remove the bay leaf, and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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### **Chef’s Tips and Tricks**
– **Don’t Skip the Rinse**: Rinsing the rice eliminates excess starch and ensures fluffy, separate grains.
– **Broth is Key**: Use a quality broth for maximum flavor—the better the broth, the better the pilaf.
– **Dress it Up**: Toss in toasted almonds or dried cranberries for a festive finish.
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### **Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions**
#### Variations:
– **Add Protein**: Stir in cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or even chickpeas for a more filling dish.
– **Herb Swap**: Play with fresh rosemary or parsley for a different herbal profile.
– **Make it Vegan**: Use olive oil instead of butter and opt for vegetable broth.
#### Serving Suggestions:
This pilaf pairs beautifully with:
– Roast turkey, chicken, or pork tenderloin.
– A fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
– Steamed green beans or roasted brussels sprouts for extra veggies.
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### **FAQs**
– **Can I freeze wild rice pilaf?**
Absolutely! Let the pilaf cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth.
– **Can I use regular white rice?**
You can, but the cook time will be significantly shorter—closer to 4–6 minutes in the Instant Pot. Adjust the liquid ratio to 1:1.25 for white rice.
– **How do I store leftovers?**
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
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### **Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf**
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
#### Ingredients:
– 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup wild rice or wild rice blend
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
#### Instructions:
1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat butter/oil. Add onion, celery, and carrot; sauté for 3–4 minutes.
2. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Rinse rice under cold water, then pour into the Instant Pot with broth. Stir.
4. Close lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
6. Fluff with a fork, remove bay leaf, and adjust seasonings. Serve warm.
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There you go! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it’s a game-changer for holiday tables and weeknight dinners alike. Let me know how you personalized your pilaf by leaving a comment below or tagging your gorgeous creation on social media with #TheKitchensAid! Happy Cooking! 🥰
