Wild Mushroom Rice Pilaf π
Overview:
Indulge in the earthy flavors of wild mushrooms with this delightful Wild Mushroom Rice Pilaf recipe. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a flavorful side dish for any occasion, this dish brings together tender rice, aromatic herbs, and a medley of mushrooms for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 5 servings
- Calories: Approximately 207.6 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups button mushrooms
- 3 shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
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Prepare Mushroom Stock:
- In a large pot, add 12 cups of water and 3 cups of button mushrooms.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the stock reduces to approximately 2 cups, infusing it with the rich flavor of the mushrooms. This typically takes about 30-40 minutes. Once done, strain the stock to remove any mushroom solids, and set aside.
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Saute Aromatics and Mushrooms:
- In a separate large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet.
- Saute the ingredients until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms are tender, releasing their savory aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Rice and Herbs:
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the rice to the skillet.
- Continue to saute for an additional minute, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors of the vegetables and mushrooms.
- Add the bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and rosemary sprig to the skillet, gently stirring to incorporate the herbs throughout the dish.
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Simmer with Mushroom Stock:
- Carefully pour the reserved mushroom stock into the skillet, covering the rice and vegetables.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow the pilaf to simmer gently for approximately 1 hour. This slow cooking process allows the rice to absorb the flavors of the mushrooms and herbs, resulting in a rich and fragrant dish.
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Season to Taste:
- After simmering for an hour, remove the lid from the skillet and give the pilaf a gentle stir.
- Season with kosher salt and cracked pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once fully cooked and seasoned to perfection, remove the bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and rosemary sprig from the pilaf.
- Serve the Wild Mushroom Rice Pilaf hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main course, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, consider using a combination of wild mushrooms such as porcini, cremini, or chanterelle in addition to the button and shiitake mushrooms.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, peas, or celery for extra texture and color.
- To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 207.6
- Total Fat: 5.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 12.2mg
- Sodium: 60.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 2.6g
- Protein: 4.4g
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of hearty mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice, this Wild Mushroom Rice Pilaf is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this dish delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. So gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this delectable and aromatic dish!
