Description
This Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and wholesome side dish featuring a blend of wild rice, sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts. Cooked on the stovetop and seasoned with thyme and fresh parsley, it’s an ideal fall or holiday recipe that complements a variety of main courses. The dish is vegetarian, vibrant, and packed with texture and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2¼ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 apple (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Wild Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice blend and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Sauté Vegetables and Apple: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced celery, sautéing for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced apple and cook for an additional 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and apple. Mix in the dried cranberries, nuts if using, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Heat Through: Cook the combined mixture for another 2–3 minutes on medium heat until everything is warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm as a delicious side dish or light main.
Notes
- You can use all wild rice or a wild rice blend depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
- For a richer, nuttier flavor, toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet before chopping and adding them to the pilaf.
- This pilaf is perfect as a festive holiday side but also works well as a light vegetarian main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
