A Brief History of Wild Rice
Wild rice, often called “manoomin” by Native American tribes, has been harvested for centuries in the Great Lakes region of North America. Unlike true rice, wild rice is actually a type of aquatic grass seed. Indigenous peoples traditionally gathered it by canoe, gently knocking the grains into their boats. Today, wild rice remains a cherished ingredient in Midwestern cooking and has become a Thanksgiving favorite, often paired with dried fruits, nuts, and fresh herbs to create hearty pilafs that celebrate the season’s bounty
Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf is nutty, colorful, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect side dish for your holiday table. With dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and sautéed vegetables, it’s both festive and wholesome. The combination of chewy wild rice and tender veggies creates a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or ham. It’s a naturally gluten-free and vegetarian option that adds vibrant color and seasonal flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients
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1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
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3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1/2 cup dried cranberries
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1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp thyme leaves
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cook wild rice blend in broth according to package instructions (about 40–45 minutes). Fluff with a fork.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until tender.
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Stir in cooked rice, cranberries, nuts (if using), parsley, and thyme.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra herbs before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, cook rice in half broth and half apple cider
Swap cranberries for dried cherries or apricots for a different twist
This pilaf can be made ahead and reheated just before serving
FAQ
1. Can I make wild rice pilaf ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the rice and vegetables ahead, then combine and reheat before serving. Add herbs fresh for best flavor.
2. What’s the best wild rice to use?
A wild rice blend (wild rice mixed with brown or red rice) cooks faster and adds variety in texture. Pure wild rice works too but takes longer to cook.
3. How can I make this dish vegan?
Use vegetable broth and olive oil instead of chicken broth and butter for a fully vegan-friendly version
