Wild Citrus Bright Rice Pilaf (Printable Version)
Vibrant wild rice infused with zesty citrus, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. Perfect refreshing side or light main course.
# Ingredient List:
→ Rice
01 - 1 cup wild rice blend (wild and long-grain rice mix)
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth
→ Citrus
03 - Zest of 1 orange
04 - Zest of 1 lemon
05 - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
06 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
11 - 1/2 cup carrots, finely diced
→ Herbs and Seasonings
12 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
16 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish
17 - 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
18 - 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water until water runs clear.
02 - In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped red onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add rinsed rice to the pan and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to coat with oil and aromatic vegetables.
05 - Pour in vegetable broth, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, lemon zest, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with lid and simmer for 35 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is completely absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes to allow residual steam to finish cooking.
08 - Fluff rice gently with a fork. Stir in fresh parsley and mint. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with pomegranate seeds and toasted almonds if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The wild rice blend creates this incredible textural contrast that keeps every bite interesting, something I discovered purely by accident when I ran out of regular rice one evening.
- The citrus infusion cuts through the earthiness of the rice with such a clean brightness that it makes a humble side dish feel like something from a fancy restaurant.
02 -
- Adding the citrus zest at the beginning rather than the end completely transforms how the flavor infuses throughout the dish, something I learned after accidentally dumping it in too early once.
- The rice needs that full 5-minute rest off-heat with the lid on, a step I used to skip until discovering it makes the difference between good rice and exceptional rice.
03 -
- Toast the almond slices in a dry pan until just golden and fragrant, but watch them like a hawk as they go from perfect to burnt in mere seconds.
- When zesting citrus, press relatively firmly against the grater to capture some of the flavorful oils from just beneath the colored part, but avoid the bitter white pith hiding underneath.