Herby Wild Rice Pilaf

Herby Wild Rice Pilaf is one of those recipes that’ll have you licking your bowl clean and begging for seconds.


This delicious, creamy dish features bright herbs, mild shallots and wild rice (a Minnesota specialty) to bring you a meal that’s light enough for fall and filling enough for dinnertime. It’s best served with chicken, white wine and good company.

SERVINGS

6-8

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

  • ¼
    cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 2
    large shallots, thinly sliced
  • 3
    garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½
    cups wild rice, rinsed
  • ½
    teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
  • 1
    quart L&B Vegetable Broth
  • 1
    bunch mint, roughly chopped
  • 1
    bunch chives, roughly chopped, some reserved for garnish
  • ½
    bunch cilantro, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
  • ½
    bunch parsley, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
  • ¼
    cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • 2
    tablespoons L&B Extra Virgin 100% California Olive Oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½
    cup L&B Raw Hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  • 2
    celery stalks, small diced
  • Zest from 1 lemon, for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the shallots start to caramelize, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the rice and ¼ teaspoon of the salt and cook until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 1 hour or until the broth is absorbed and the rice is al dente. Fluff the rice and let cool for 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, combine the mint, chives, cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil and remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste. Blend to the consistency of pesto, about 1 minute. Set aside in the refrigerator.

  4. 4

    In a small skillet, add the hazelnuts and heat over medium. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until starting to brown. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and cook until it melts, foams, and turns golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a small heatproof bowl and season with salt.

  5. 5

    When ready to serve, stir the herb purée and diced celery into the wild rice until well combined, and transfer to a serving bowl.

  6. 6

    In a small bowl, stir together the hazelnuts and remaining chives, cilantro, parsley and lemon zest. Sprinkle over the rice pilaf. Enjoy! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.