Autumn Rice Pilaf Recipe | Simple Side Dish + Video

This autumn rice pilaf is the best rice recipe for Thanksgiving or any time! This warm and cozy side dish comes together fast with pantry staples, and it tastes just like fall in a bowl!

Do you ever find a new recipe that you love so much because it just feels perfect for the season, and you want to make it over and over again?

That’s how I feel about this autumn rice pilaf. The smell of cinnamon, the tang of cranberry, and the lovely, healthy green factor…not to mention that it’s all mixed up in the ever so frugal whole grain rice? Yum! It’s like Thanksgiving in a bowl!

We’ve had this dish more times than I have fingers on one hand. Partly to make sure my measurements were right, and partly because it’s so easy. And because I already had everything in the pantry. And did I mention it’s really, really good?

Add this autumn rice pilaf to your next menu plan. You won’t regret it!

WHAT IS RICE PILAF?

So, what is rice pilaf? I asked this question when I saw this dish, which called for barley (and isn’t a pilaf). But when I substituted rice because I didn’t have any barley in the pantry, the name “pilaf” came to mind.

Basically, a pilaf is a rice dish or grain dish where the grain is cooked in broth and then vegetables or meat are added. Using some of the elements of the above recipe, and thinking of all things “fall flavored”, this autumn rice pilaf was born.

Lo and behold, the dish turned out pretty good and Mr. Crumbs gave the go-ahead to make it again. So, I did! After more tweaking, it became what you see here.

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WHY MAKE THIS EASY RICE PILAF RECIPE

This is one of those fall rice recipes that fits perfectly with the season!

• Versatile. Choose what veggies and add-ins you like and have on hand.
• Made with pantry staples. It’s easy to mix up a yummy, simple rice pilaf recipe with ingredients from the pantry.
• Frugal. Rice is one of the most inexpensive side dishes you can make!
• Warm and cozy. The delicious flavors in this yummy rice pilaf recipe make it a perfect comfort food side dish.

AUTUMN RICE PILAF INGREDIENTS

This autumn rice pilaf uses pantry staples and the veggies you have on hand for an easy side dish.

• Rice. You can use long-grain rice like jasmine rice or basmati rice. Or try brown rice, like this Instant Pot Brown Rice.
• Chicken broth. Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water to cook your rice. This adds an extra depth of flavor, and you can even make chicken broth from scraps in your kitchen!
• Butter or coconut oil. You’ll use this to sauté your veggies. Coconut oil keeps this recipe dairy-free.
• Vegetables. I used onions, mushrooms, and kale. You can use just those or substitute other veggies you have on hand. Vegetable rice pilaf is flexible!
• Sunflower seeds. I thought the taste of sunflower seeds worked great with this autumn rice pilaf. Other options for crunch include pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds), chopped pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or almonds.
• Dried cranberries. If you don’t stock dried cranberries in your pantry, raisins or golden raisins would make an excellent substitute. (Here’s how to dry your own cranberries.)
• Spices. Here’s where the magic happens. A touch of cinnamon, garlic, salt, and ground black pepper brings this dish to life!

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BEST RICE PILAF RECIPE

As written, this easy homemade rice pilaf recipe serves 4 without much left over. However, I make 1 ½ times the recipe to allow ample for dinner plus leftovers for a few lunches too.

Step 1. Cook the rice in chicken broth.

To cook your rice on the stovetop: Add chicken stock and rice, bring to a boil, and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork.

You can also cook your rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot. Here’s my Instant Pot Brown Rice recipe. White rice typically takes 15 minutes to cook and brown rice takes 22 minutes.

Step 2. Cook the veggies. As your rice cooks, heat butter or coconut oil in a large skillet. Sauté your vegetables until the onions are translucent. Add your greens and cook until wilted. Turn the heat to medium or low if you’re still waiting on the rice.

Step 3. Add your spices and nuts and cranberries. Mix well and then fold in your cooked rice, being careful not to overmix so the rice doesn’t become mushy. Serve warm!

MAKE AHEAD RICE PILLAF TIPS

You COULD even use up leftover rice to make this dish. The flavor won’t be quite as full if you didn’t cook your rice in the chicken stock, but it would still be a perfect side dish to use up leftover rice!

For vegetarian rice pillaf, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and replace the butter with coconut oil.

You can also customize this rice pillaf to fit with what you have on hand or if you’re looking for a slightly different flavor.

• Add chopped apples when you add the spinach.
• Use dried blueberries instead of dried cranberries.
• Substitute cubed butternut squash or eggplant for the mushrooms or try quartered Brussels sprouts.
• Add ground sausage or bacon for extra protein if you want to make this a heartier side.

Make ahead rice pillaf is the best rice recipe for Thanksgiving as well and is a great gluten-free alternative to traditional stuffing. For more delicious real food Thanksgiving recipes, check out my Thanksgiving Meal Plan here.

TO SERVE PERFECT RICE PILAF

This rice pilaf is perfect for pairing with a yummy protein and a veggie side!

RICE PILAF RECIPE FAQS

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WATCH HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE AUTUMN RICE PILAF