Description
This Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Delight is a vibrant and hearty dish that captures the essence of fall. It harmonizes the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, all while embracing the earthy notes of wild rice. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as a side or a main course.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium apple, diced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice under cold water. Combine it with the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced apple, fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, thyme, and cinnamon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and the cranberries to burst slightly.
- Mix in the Rice: Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet, mixing well to combine all ingredients. Stir in the toasted nuts and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Toast nuts for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a more complex flavor.
- Vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian; chicken broth adds a heartier flavor.
- This pilaf is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pilaf
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Cranberry Apple Wild Rice, Cranberry apple wild rice pilaf, Wild rice with cranberries and apples, Cranberry apple wild rice recipe, Easy cranberry apple wild rice, Thanksgiving cranberry apple wild rice, Autumn wild rice cranberry apple