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Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe Easy Homemade with Mushrooms and Pecans

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A cozy and flavorful wild rice pilaf made in the Instant Pot with earthy mushrooms and toasted pecans, perfect as a quick and nutritious side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (185 g) wild rice blend (wild and brown rice mix)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 3/4 cups (650 ml) vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (185 g) of wild rice blend under cold water until the water runs clear. Slice 8 oz (225 g) of cremini mushrooms, finely chop 1 small yellow onion, and mince 2 garlic cloves.
  2. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add 1/2 cup (50 g) of chopped pecans. Stir frequently for about 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil to the Instant Pot. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until softened and slightly browned.
  4. Add the rinsed wild rice blend to the pot and stir well to coat the grains with oil and mushroom juices. Sprinkle in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour in 2 3/4 cups (650 ml) vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom gently to avoid sticking. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on high pressure for 25 minutes.
  6. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
  7. Open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the toasted pecans and, if using, 1 tbsp lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with extra thyme if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

If the rice is too firm after cooking, add a splash of broth or water and steam with the lid off on ‘Sauté’ mode for a few minutes. Toasting pecans enhances flavor and crunch. Use fresh mushrooms for best results. Natural pressure release is key to perfect texture. Variations include swapping pecans for seeds for nut-free, or adding dried cranberries for sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: wild rice pilaf, instant pot, mushrooms, pecans, easy side dish, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan option

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/instant-pot-wild-rice-pilaf-recipe-easy-homemade-with-mushrooms-and-pecans/