Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf with Cherries & Pecans is the perfect dish to celebrate the flavors of the season. This delightful recipe brings together nutty wild rice, sweet cherries, and crunchy pecans, creating a warm, comforting meal that embodies the spirit of fall. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, this pilaf becomes a cozy addition to your dinner table, whether as a side dish or a main course. Let’s explore how to make this stunning dish that will impress everyone at your gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf

There are countless reasons to adore this Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf. First, it’s packed with flavor from the sweet cherries and crunchy pecans. Second, it’s a fantastic vegetarian option, making it perfect for guests with dietary preferences. Third, this pilaf is gluten-free, allowing everyone to enjoy it without worry. Fourth, the combination of wild rice and seasonal ingredients creates a satisfying meal that is both hearty and wholesome. Fifth, it offers a unique twist on traditional rice pilaf, elevating your dining experience. Lastly, it’s easy to customize, making it a versatile dish for any occasion, whether a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering.

Ingredients for Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf

Gather these items:

1 cup wild rice
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf Step-by-Step

Step 1: Rinse the wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
Step 4: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 5: Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 7: Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
Step 8: Fold in the cherries, pecans, dried thyme, and sage. Stir until well combined.
Step 9: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Step 10: Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 11: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Delicious Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf with Cherries & Pecans - Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf

Keep these in mind:

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
Try using different nuts or fruits for variation.
For added flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the pilaf.
Pair this pilaf with roasted vegetables for a hearty fall meal.

Best Ways to Serve Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf

There are many wonderful ways to serve your Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf. Consider pairing it with a hearty fall salad or alongside a roasted vegetable platter for a complete meal. This pilaf also makes a great side dish for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners, complementing turkey or other roasted meats beautifully. For a vegetarian option, serve it with a light green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette.

How to Store and Reheat Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf

To store your Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to five days. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious pilaf throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf

What’s the secret to perfect Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf?

The secret lies in cooking the wild rice properly. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking, as this removes excess starch and helps achieve the right texture. Use a good quality vegetable broth for enhanced flavor, and allow it to simmer gently until fully cooked.

Can I make Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just reheat it gently before serving, and it’ll taste just as delicious as when it was freshly made.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you measure the rice and liquid accurately. Don’t rush the cooking process; let the rice simmer until perfectly tender. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning before serving for the best flavor.

Variations of Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf You Can Try

Feel free to customize your Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf by adding seasonal vegetables like roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for an autumn rice and wild mushroom pilaf. You can also switch the nuts to walnuts or almonds, or add dried cranberries for an extra touch of sweetness. For a robust flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This dish is not just vegetarian but can also easily be made gluten-free.

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or learn how to make roasted carrot soup for a comforting meal. You can also explore Mediterranean chickpea salad for a refreshing side dish.

Delicious Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf with Cherries & Pecans

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Autumn Wild Rice Pilaf with Cherries & Pecans is a flavorful dish that combines nutty wild rice with sweet cherries and crunchy pecans.

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 49 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup wild rice
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Rinse the wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
Fold in the cherries, pecans, dried thyme, and sage. Stir until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.