Description
This Cranberry Apple Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and hearty side dish that combines nutty wild rice with sweet cranberries, tender sautéed apples, and crunchy pecans. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and cooked in rich chicken broth and butter, it’s a perfect accompaniment for holiday meals or any cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Wild Rice Blend
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- Chicken broth (enough to cook the rice, approximately 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking rice)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Saute and Mix-In Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing apples)
- 1 Fuji apple, chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Wild Rice: In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of butter, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Add the wild rice blend, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook according to package instructions—about 50 minutes—until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat. If there is leftover liquid, drain the rice using a colander and set aside.
- Sauté the Apples: In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and sauté until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the pan with the sautéed apples. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of water to give the rice a richer flavor.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
- Fuji apples are sweet and hold their shape well when sautéed, but you can substitute with Honeycrisp or Gala.
- Toast the pecans lightly beforehand for extra crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
