Description
Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and hearty side dish featuring a nutty wild rice blend cooked to tender perfection, combined with sweet diced apples, tart dried cranberries, and aromatic thyme. Sautéed onions and celery add savory depth, while optional nuts provide a satisfying crunch. This wholesome, vegetarian-friendly dish is perfect for holiday meals or as a comforting everyday side.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 apple, cored and diced (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the wild rice blend thoroughly under cold water and drain well. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Sauté the vegetables: While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced celery, cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
- Add fruit and herbs: Stir in the diced apple, dried cranberries, and dried thyme. Continue cooking the mixture for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape.
- Combine rice and fruit mixture: Once the wild rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Stir the rice into the skillet with the sautéed apple-cranberry mixture, blending all the flavors together.
- Season and finish: Add the salt, black pepper, and chopped nuts if using. Stir well to combine and heat everything through evenly. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
- For a richer flavor, substitute butter for olive oil when sautéing the vegetables.
- Perfect as a festive holiday side dish or a warm, vegetarian main course.
