Best Vegan Wild Rice Instapot Recipes for Easy Meals

Wild rice is a wonderfully nutty and chewy grain that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. For those seeking a wholesome, plant-based meal, using an Instant Pot to prepare wild rice makes the process quick, easy, and foolproof.

Vegan wild rice dishes can be incredibly versatile, combining hearty vegetables, fragrant herbs, and savory spices to create a satisfying, nutrient-rich main course or side dish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking a comforting dinner, these vegan wild rice Instant Pot recipes will delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

In this post, you’ll discover the best vegan wild rice Instant Pot recipes that are not only delicious but also simple to make. From vibrant wild rice pilafs to creamy risottos and hearty bowls, these recipes will inspire you to enjoy wild rice in new and exciting ways.

Plus, cooking with the Instant Pot saves time and locks in flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cooking wild rice in an Instant Pot is a game changer. Not only does it drastically reduce the cooking time compared to stovetop methods, but it also produces perfectly tender grains every time without the need for constant stirring or monitoring.

These vegan wild rice recipes feature wholesome ingredients, meaning you get a boost of fiber, protein, and essential minerals with every bite. Plus, the adaptability of wild rice makes these dishes ideal for customizing with your favorite veggies or plant-based proteins.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply want to explore more plant-based meals, these recipes are approachable, flavorful, and packed with wholesome goodness.

Ingredients

• Wild rice blend: Typically a mix of wild rice and other brown rice varieties (about 1 cup per recipe)
• Vegetable broth: For cooking the rice, enhances flavor (2 to 2.5 cups)
• Onion: Chopped, adds sweetness and depth (1 medium)
• Garlic cloves: Minced, for aromatic flavor (2-3 cloves)
• Carrots: Diced, for color and sweetness (1 cup)
• Celery stalks: Diced, for crunch and flavor (1 cup)
• Mushrooms: Sliced, adds umami (1 cup)
• Spinach or kale: Fresh leafy greens to boost nutrition (1-2 cups)
• Olive oil or avocado oil: For sautéing (2 tbsp)
• Fresh herbs: Such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary (1-2 tbsp chopped)
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Lemon juice: Optional, for brightness (1 tbsp)
• Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or cooked chickpeas for extra texture and protein

Equipment

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker: Essential for quick, even cooking
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For sautéing and stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons: To measure ingredients precisely
• Chopping board and knife: For prepping vegetables
• Serving bowls: For plating your delicious wild rice dishes

Instructions

1. Prepare your vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Mince the garlic and chop fresh herbs.
2. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode: Add the olive oil and let it warm up. Sauté the onions until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms: Cook for another 4-5 minutes until veggies soften and mushrooms release moisture.
4. Add your wild rice blend: Stir the rice into the sautéed vegetables for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
5. Pour in vegetable broth: Add 2 to 2.5 cups of vegetable broth, depending on your rice blend instructions. Stir to combine.
6. Close the Instant Pot lid: Ensure the valve is set to sealing. Set to manual pressure cook on high for 25-30 minutes (check your rice blend for exact timing).
7. Allow natural pressure release: Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Open the lid carefully: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted.
9. Season and finish: Add salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
10. Serve hot: Garnish with optional nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For fluffier rice, use slightly less liquid and avoid stirring immediately after cooking.

• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or vegan cream cheese after cooking for a rich risotto-style dish.
• Add protein: Toss in cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu cubes to make it a complete meal.
• Spice it up: Add cumin, smoked paprika, or curry powder during sautéing for a flavor twist.
• Mix in roasted vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts make excellent additions.
• Use frozen veggies: Frozen peas or corn can be stirred in at the end for convenience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan wild rice dishes pair perfectly with a variety of sides and toppings. For a light meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

If you want to turn it into a hearty dinner, add a side of roasted vegetables or steamed greens.

For an extra flavor boost, top with toasted nuts or seeds like walnuts or pumpkin seeds. A drizzle of tahini or a splash of your favorite vegan sauce, such as a Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe, can elevate the dish beautifully.

Want to end your meal with something sweet? Check out this delightful Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a perfect vegan dessert complement.

Best Vegan Wild Rice Instant Pot Recipes

Vegan Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf

This pilaf is a savory, earthy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals. The mushrooms add a deep umami flavor, while fresh herbs brighten the dish.

• Use 1 cup wild rice blend
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 diced onion, 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Thyme and parsley, salt and pepper to taste

Cook as per the main instructions above. For a creamy twist, stir in 1/4 cup of vegan cream cheese after cooking.

Vegan Wild Rice and Lentil Bowl

A protein-packed bowl combining wild rice with green lentils, carrots, and kale. Perfect for meal prep or a nourishing lunch.

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 1/2 cup dry green lentils
• 1 cup chopped carrots and celery
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• Garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt and pepper

Cook wild rice and lentils together in the Instant Pot for 30 minutes with broth. Stir in kale after cooking and let it wilt.

Top with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds.

Vegan Wild Rice Risotto with Spinach and Peas

This creamy risotto-style dish uses wild rice for a hearty texture, combined with fresh spinach and sweet peas for color and nutrition.

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper

Sauté onion in oil, add rice and broth, pressure cook for 25 minutes. Stir in peas and spinach after cooking.

Mix in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

For more comforting vegan dishes, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe and Collard Green Casserole Recipes.

Conclusion

These vegan wild rice Instant Pot recipes bring together the best of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Wild rice’s chewy texture and nutty taste provide a hearty foundation for countless plant-based meals, and the Instant Pot makes cooking it simple and quick.

Whether you’re making a mushroom pilaf, a protein-rich lentil bowl, or a creamy risotto, these recipes offer satisfying, wholesome options for any occasion.

By experimenting with different vegetables, herbs, and spices, you can easily customize these dishes to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy the benefits of a nutritious, vegan meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.

Don’t forget to explore other tasty recipes on our site, such as the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe, to round out your culinary adventures!

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