Simple Wild/Brown Rice Pilaf

Jessica Lynn Montgomerie's Note:

This is a simpler version of a popular dish, all done on top of the stove, which makes it a good side when the oven is already occupied. With the nuts and vegetables, it makes a nice lighter entree as well. It freezes and keeps well, so consider it a make-ahead option.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 8-10

Yield: 10 cups

• 118.29 ml wild rice, uncooked
• 650.62 ml vegetable broth
• 177.44 ml brown rice, uncooked
• 1 onion, diced (about one cup when diced)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 29.58 ml olive oil
• 226.79 g mushrooms, sliced (I like baby portabella)
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (I like red)
• 4.92 ml italian seasoning
• 2.46 ml paprika
• salt and pepper
• 78.07 ml fresh parsley, chopped
• 78.07 ml slivered almonds, toasted

Directions:

1. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a large saucepan and add the wild rice. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, then add brown rice. Cover and cook for another 45 minutes, or until rice is done cooking.
2. In a large skillet, sautee the onions and garlic until onions start to brown. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, celery, and spices and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes until the mushrooms are tender, adding more oil or a little bit of broth if needed. The celery and bell pepper will still be firm.
3. If your almonds aren't already toasted, then toast them in a small, nonstick frying pan for a couple of minutes. You don't need any oil in a non-stick pan. Just watch them very carefully and shake the pan frequently so they don't burn. When they're light brown and smell good, they're done.
4. Add the cooked rice, fresh parsley and almonds, and stir well to combine. Cook for another minute or two, until everything is just heated through.