Skip the ordinary rice and try this flavor-packed, gut-healthy Mushroom Wild Rice! Loaded with mixed mushrooms, wild rice, white onion, and fragrant spices like garlic powder, umami, and Italian seasoning, this dish delivers rich and earthy flavor. Plus, slivered almonds and chives add extra texture and yum!
Why Mushroom Wild Rice Is Good for Your Gut
Mushrooms act as a prebiotics that feed your gut’s healthy bacteria. They’ve been found to reduce inflammation, strengthen the lining of the gut, and improve gut bacteria diversity. Read more on how mushrooms contribute to gut health.
If you’re knowledgeable about how to support a healthy gut microbiome, you know about the importance of adding a diversity of plant-based foods to your diet. The rule of thumb is 40 different species of plants per week. That’s because a rich diversity of plant foods contributes to a diverse gut microbiome.
Some nutritionists say the 40 species should be confined to veggies, fruits, and culinary herbs. Others say it can also include legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Each veggie or grain variety counts as a separate species. For example, portabella and shiitake mushrooms are considered unique species, as are brown rice and red rice.
Regardless of the method you subscribe to, this mushroom wild rice delivers serious plant-based variety. If you use mixed wild mushrooms and a wild rice mix, you’ll consume roughly seven different veggie species, and an additional five grain types in a single dish!
Mushroom Wild Rice Ingredients
This flavorful recipe features mixed wild rice, a variety of mushrooms, chopped onion, and selected dried seasonings for an extra burst of flavor:
- wild rice blend: I use Lundberg’s Organic Wild Rice Blend.
- organic chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan)
- olive oil or avocado oil
- mixed mushrooms: For variety, I’ve liked RI and Co’s Organic Chef’s Medley mushrooms
- large white onion
- garlic powder
- Trader Joe’s umami seasoning blend: This is optional, but it adds rich umami flavor to the rice
- kosher salt and black pepper
- slivered almonds
- fresh chives for garnish
How to Cook Mushroom Wild Rice
I’ve offered two cooking methods, depending on whether you have a rice cooker. I prefer the rice cooker method for a more hands-off approach and easier cleaning.
Rice Cooker Method:
Heat 2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil in a saute pan over medium heat, reserving the remaining 1/2 Tbsp for later. Add the mushrooms, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until starting to get tender.
To the same pan, add final 0.5 Tbsp oil and chopped onions. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes until the onion is softened.
Deglaze the pan with 1 cup of your 4 cups of broth. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
Carefully pour the mixture into your rice cooker.
Add wild rice blend, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, Italian seasoning and umami powder (if using) to the rice cooker and give it a stir.
Cook mixture in rice cooker on the “Brown rice” setting. It should take 40 to 50 minutes. Let rice sit for 10 minutes after cooked.
Stir in slivered almonds. Serve garnished with chopped chives.
Stovetop Method:
Heat 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, reserving the remaining 1.5 Tbsp oil. Add the chopped onion, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until onions start to tenderize.
Add wild rice blend to the sauce pan and saute, stirring for roughly 30 seconds.
Add chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover the pan and turn to low. Cook for 45 minutes until broth is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining 1.5 Tbsp oil in a separate saute pan. Add mushrooms and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for roughly 6 minutes until browned.
Stir cooked mushrooms and slivered almonds into the rice. Serve with chopped fresh chives on top.
What to Serve with Mushroom Wild Rice
Complement this dish with more vegetables and protein if desired. Here are some ideas:
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Serve your rice alongside grilled or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or brussels.
Grilled Chicken or Tofu: Pair the Mushroom Wild Rice with grilled chicken breast or tofu for added protein and texture.
Grilled Fish: Pair the rice with grilled fish such as salmon, halibut, or mahi for a delicious seafood option.
Side Salad: Serve with a simple side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots for a colorful and flavorful addition to your meal.
Sauteed Spinach: Enjoy sauteed spinach with garlic and lemon as a nutritious and vibrant side dish to accompany the Mushroom Wild Rice.
Mushroom Wild Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups wild rice blend
- 4 cups organic chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan) low sodium chicken broth if watching salt intake.
- 2.5 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 12 oz mixed mushrooms, chopped
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Trader Joe's umami seasoning blend (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 Tbsp slivered almonds, toasted
- 2 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
Rick Cooker Method:
- Heat 2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil in a saute pan over medium heat, reserving the remaining 1/2 Tbsp for later. Add the mushrooms, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until starting to get tender.
- To the same pan, add final 0.5 Tbsp oil and chopped onions. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Deglaze the pan with 1 cup of your 4 cups of broth. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Carefully pour the mixture into your rice cooker.
- Add wild rice blend, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, Italian seasoning and umami powder (if using) to the rice cooker and give it a stir.
- Cook mixture in rice cooker on the "Brown rice" setting. It should take 40 to 50 minutes. Let rice sit for 10 minutes after cooked.
- Stir in slivered almonds. Serve garnished with chopped chives.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, reserving the remaining 1.5 Tbsp oil. Add the chopped onion, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until onions start to tenderize.
- Add wild rice blend to the sauce pan and saute, stirring for roughly 30 seconds.
- Add chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the pan and turn to low. Cook for 45 minutes until broth is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining 1.5 Tbsp oil in a separate saute pan. Add mushrooms and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for roughly 6 minutes until browned.
- Stir cooked mushrooms and slivered almonds into the rice. Serve with chopped fresh chives on top.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice instead of wild rice blend?
Absolutely! While wild rice blend adds a unique flavor and texture, you can substitute it with any type of rice you prefer, such as brown rice or jasmine rice.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will still be delicious and flavorful!
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers of Mushroom Wild Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels of any packaged ingredients such as broth or seasoning blends to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
3 Comments
This one really surprised me. Not too salty – not too heavy. Went great w Miso Chicken. Will make this one again.
Put this on the bottom of a greens and grains bowl w chicken. Yum!
We were getting bored of plain and brown rice. This is sooo much tastier and healthier. Reheats well as leftovers.