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Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe

Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe That Everyone Will Love

A unique Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf recipe blending nutty wild rice with sweet-tart cranberries for an elegant, vegan-friendly side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Holiday, Vegan
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pilaf
  • 1 cup Wild Rice Blend Can substitute with brown rice or quinoa.
  • 1 medium Leek Substitute with onions or shallots.
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Use any sweet pepper on hand.
  • 1 medium Carrot Can also use grated or diced parsnip.
  • 1 cup Vegan White Wine Can replace with vegetable broth or juice.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Can swap for raisins or apricots.
  • 2 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Stock or Water
For Seasoning
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Remove before serving.
  • 1 tablespoon Rosemary Fresh or dried.
  • 1 tablespoon Sage Fresh or dried.
  • 1 tablespoon Thyme Fresh or dried.
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Fresh or dried.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste.
For Sautéing
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Water Use oil for richer flavor.

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat a deep skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or water and sauté chopped leeks with a pinch of salt for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Stir in grated carrot and chopped herbs. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until veggies soften. Add wild rice blend and toast for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add diced bell pepper and half of the dried cranberries. Pour in vegan white wine and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced. Add vegetable stock, season to taste.
  4. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 50 minutes without uncovering.
  5. After cooking, let rest covered for 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaves and woody herbs, fluff with a fork, and garnish with remaining cranberries and fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse leeks well before use. Don’t skip the resting period after cooking for the best texture. Adjust seasoning to taste for balanced flavors. Let the pilaf cool slightly after removing from heat to absorb excess moisture.

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