Mushroom Rice Pilaf

This Mushroom Rice Pilaf recipe features fluffy rice kissed with butter, sweet onions, garlic, sherry, herbs, and wild mushrooms for an earthy and savory side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals!

Ingredients:
1 pound mushrooms, mixed varieties
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup chopped shallots
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1¼ cup long grain rice
2½ cups vegetable broth or water
¼ cup dry sherry
Salt and pepper

Instructions:
Prep the mushrooms: Remove any tough stems, then thinly slice all the mushrooms. Chop the shallot and mince the garlic.
Place a large sauté pan (with a lid) over medium heat. Add the butter, shallots, garlic, and thyme. Sauté to soften the onions, 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the mushrooms. Sauté for 10 minutes to soften.
Pour in the rice, broth, and sherry. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Cover the pan and bring to a simmer.
Once simmering, lower the heat a little and cook the rice for approximately 20 minutes, or until the liquid absorbs and there are vent holes in the top of the rice.
Remove the rice from the heat. Allow it to rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork. Taste, and salt and pepper as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:
– Can I omit the sherry? Whenever I make a recipe that includes alcohol, I am always asked if I can omit it. The answer is always yes. However, it’s in the recipe for a reason. In this rice recipe, a splash of sherry offers a not of sweetness that balances the other flavors. However, I totally understand that some people do not cook with alcohol or keep alcohol in their house at all. That is completely fine! Replace the booze with extra broth or water.
– Is rice pilaf different from rice? A rice pilaf differs from regular cooked rice because a pilaf is rice that is cooked with aromatics and additional ingredients to add more flavor. Generally, rice pilaf is made with garlic and onions and then cooked in broth instead of water!
– Is mushroom rice healthy for you? Mushroom rice is low in fat and has a decent amount of fiber and vitamins, thanks to the mushrooms! If you make mushroom pilaf with brown rice, you will get even more fiber. So yes, this side dish is relatively healthy for you when eaten with a balanced meal!
– Is rice pilaf better than white rice? Rice pilaf is so much richer in everyday nutrients like iron, manganese, selenium, and vitamins B1, B3, and B6 because of the added vegetables. Plus, it has a ton of added flavor thanks to the herbs and aromatics!
– What different cook times would there be to substitute rice varieties? All rice varieties vary a little in cooking time. Just go by the instructions on the box or bag of rice. Whether using brown rice, long grain rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, or even orzo pasta, just make sure you check the cook times!
– How long do leftovers last? The storage for this leftover rice pilaf recipe is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. You can warm it up in the microwave or on the stove!

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