This vegan and gluten-free Wild Rice Pilaf with Pistachios and Pomegranates is a special occasion side-dish for your holiday feast.
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored by the Wonderful Company. I was compensated for my time. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I am like a Pavlov’s dogs when it comes to someone saying the words Christmas dinner. I immediately get a huge craving for wild rice. It is a tradition in our family to have it most years, and I just love the texture of it- a little chewy. My mom is usually the one to suggest that we have it, but believe me, if she didn’t I surely would, because it is so good!
Did you know that wild rice is native to North America, and only a distant cousin of the starchier white and brown rice we commonly eat?
How to Make Wild Rice Pilaf with Pistachios and Pomegranate
First I have a culinary note. Though I am calling this a “pilaf”, I understand that the method here is not completely traditional. Here’s why: traditional rice pilaf is made by sautéing the vegetables and the rice in fat or oil then adding the liquid and cooking together. This step ensures that the rice will not stick together as much because each grain is coated in oil. This step is unnecessary for wild rice because it doesn’t have enough starch to clump. I also wanted to control how tender the rice became; so cooking it in a pot with plenty of boiling water (almost the way you would for pasta) ensures that it becomes tender, but not mushy. Once that liquid is completely drained away it’s added to the sautéed vegetables.
When cooking the wild rice, look for the grains to split, and taste often. Don’t wait for the grains to curl, because the rice will be overcooked and watery.
Next I used POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice to moisten the mixture. Not only does it moisten the pilaf, but the POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice has been found to have, on average, more antioxidant capacity than red wine, grape juice and green tea!
I also amped up the holiday vibe (and nutrition) to the Wild Rice Pilaf by adding in some more superstar ingredients from POM Wonderful®. I used POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils, which are ready to eat. They are already removed from the pith of the fruit and come in cute little 4.3 ounce containers. Find them, refrigerated, in the produce section. I love these POM POMS because they save time; just open the container and boom! Done. Plus they add in more fiber and Vitamin C for a nutritional boost.
Then to add crunch and a festive green element I added in chopped pistachios. I used the Wonderful No Shells Pistachios, because again… so easy! Just chop and add them in. Not to sound like a broken record here folks, but the pistachios are also a nutritional powerhouse! Pistachios offer a trio of plant-protein, fiber and better-for-you unsaturated fats which may keep you feeling full.
I finished off the pilaf with a final drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The fruitiness of the oil, the orange zest really set off the sweet tartness of the pomegranate and the nutty wild rice. I can’t wait for you to try it!
If you do try it, please come back and let me know by leaving a RATING or COMMENT below. I would so appreciate it!
QUESTIONS:
What are the traditions on your holiday table?
Did you know Wild Rice is not a direct relative of white rice?
Have you used POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils before?
This vegan and gluten-free Wild Rice Pilaf with Pistachios and Pomegranates is a special occasion side-dish for your holiday feast.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup wild rice
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 1 cup finely diced celery hearts
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 cup POM Wonderful POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup Wonderful No Shells Pistachios, chopped
Instructions
- Place rice in a small saucepan. Cover generously with water. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the rice is tender and just starts to burst open, 27 to 35 minutes. Drain well.
- When rice has about 15 minutes left, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, garlic and salt and cook, stirring often until the onion is softened, and starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add hot rice, pomegranate juice and orange zest and stir until the rice and vegetables are mixed and the juice is simmering. Remove from the heat and stir in pomegranate arils, parsley, pistachios and the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Serve warm.
That looks so good with lots of flavours and goodness!
Thanks Angie! I appreciate it.
This looks so extravagant and yummy! I LOVE pomegranates, I need to try this out! 🙂
It really is a special occasion kind of dish! I’m glad you agree.
I love pomegranates, but I’ve never added them to wild rice before, and I’ve never cooked with pomegranate juice. What a good idea. This looks delicious!
I think you’ll like the tartness the juice brings to this savory dish Tracy. Thanks for coming by and have a great week.
I love wild rice salads–they always feel extra-fancy to me! The pomegranate addition is a lovely touch.
They seem so fancy to me too! Ha ha. Pavlov’s dogs… 😉
Wow this really sounds nice … at the moment im out of wild rice … but i shall get some soon and surely make some soon
Thanks for such a lovely recipe.
So glad to hear it Helene! Have a great week and enjoy this recipe.
What a beautiful side dish for the holiday table! Love these flavors and textures!
Thanks so much Jessica. Glad you popped over today. Hope you’re well.
Love wild rice and I am always looking out for different recipe.. this looks so beautiful and delicious at the same time.. can’t wait to try this❤️
Thanks so much!
I made wild rice for the first time recently and it was so good! This dish sounds amazing and now I’m craving wild rice. 😉
I’m so glad you like it Sara. Have a great day!
OMG I Love this! so festive and fun, I’m always looking for ways to use pomegranate seeds!
Thank you Kelli. I hope you had a great holiday and happy New Year to you!
This recipe is brilliant! I’ve cooked savory grains and rices in broth or ACV, but never thought to use something sweet. Pomegranate juice has such depth, I’m sure this dish is every bit as delicious as it looks. Cheers!
yes, exactly the juice adds a sweet tart balance that really works with the earthy grains. Thanks so much Elizabeth. Hope you had a great holiday season. Cheers!
This recipe sounds wonderful. I have rarely used wild rice, but when I did recently I enjoyed it greatly, and would like to make it a more regular part of my menus. I did know that wild rice and regular rice aren’t directly related. The closest they come is that they are both grasses (as are most grains). My husband and I have no holiday table traditions, because where we are from year to year changes (we’ve been married for 9.5 years). I’ve never been big on any holiday anyway. That said, this pilaf would make any holiday table festive.
Planning to make this tomorrow, subbing tart cherry juice and dried cherries (to avoid a trip to the store). I thoroughly rinse wild rice, especially the uncultivated rice, before cooking. Thanks for sharing this easy, healthy recipe!
Oh wow, I’ve actually hardly ever cooked with wild rice! This dish looks so stunning and I imagine the textures would be amazing -plus the pomegranate makes it so festive. Hope you had a lovely Christmas!
What an exciting way to use pomegranates!!! Will totally have to try this out. Merry Christmas!
CK
This looks so beautiful and delicious! Being based in Minnesota, I love using wild rice, so I can’t wait to try this!