When people hear cranberries, they usually think of cranberry sauce. This recipe gives you a new way to incorporate cranberries into your Thanksgiving menu. This earthy, satisfying rice pilaf is the perfect way to include traditional flavors and ingredients in a fresh new way. The side dish features dried cranberries, a variety of mushrooms, parsley, and tarragon. When it isn’t a holiday, this pilaf is also wonderful as a weeknight vegetarian main.

What is Pilaf?

Pilaf is often made with rice, but it can be made with other grains. Rather than a specific grain, pilaf is a way to prepare the grain. First, pilaf is toasted in a fat, like butter. Then, the grain is cooked in broth, rather than water.

How to Make Wild Rice and Mushrooms Pilaf with Cranberries

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups long-grain and wild rice blend
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 pound mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, oyster, and shiitake), sliced
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 1-quart baking dish.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in rice and cook until slightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt, and simmer for 5 minutes. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until the broth is completely absorbed, 35 to 40 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
4. Fold in the cranberries, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the mushrooms, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and cook, tossing frequently, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes more. Add the wine and simmer until evaporated, about 1 minute. Stir in the parsley and tarragon.
6. Add the mushroom mixture to the rice and toss to combine.