Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries Pecans and Mapledijon Vinaigrette

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself scrolling, searching for the perfect wild rice recipe? Honestly, this cranberry pecan wild rice pilaf is it. It's got that sweet and savory vibe with a nutty crunch!

Brief Overview

This recipe has roots in Native American cuisine. It showcases the unique flavors of wild rice . It's surprisingly easy! It takes about an hour and feeds six hungry people.

It's a fantastic way to use wild rice and explore Meals With Wild Rice .

Main Benefits

Wild rice is packed with antioxidants and fibre. This makes it a Casserole Recipe Healthy . This Vegetarian wild rice recipes is perfect for Autumnal side dish recipes or even as a Wild rice Thanksgiving side dish .

It’s special because the Maple Dijon vinaigrette recipe brings everything together beautifully. This recipe is so versatile! It’s one of my go-to wild rice recipes easy .

Let’s dive into the ingredients for this amazing dish! You’ll need wild rice , obviously!

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, let's talk about what you'll need. This wild rice pilaf is seriously easy. Even if you're more of a beans-on-toast kinda cook, you can nail this. Honestly!

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list. Don't worry, it's all pretty basic stuff. It is perfect for healthy Meals With Wild Rice and for a Wild rice Thanksgiving side dish .

• Wild Rice: 1 cup (170g) . Get good quality. It should smell earthy, not musty. I once bought some dodgy rice from a discount store. Never again!
• Vegetable Broth: 3 cups (710ml) , low sodium. I like using vegetable broth as the base for a healthier Casserole Recipe Healthy .
• Butter or Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (14g) . Butter adds richness. Olive oil is lighter. Your call!
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , kosher.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , freshly ground. Freshly ground makes a difference, trust me.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45ml) , extra virgin, for the vinaigrette.
• Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , grade A. Darker syrup = more flavour! The maple syrup in the dressing helps create a unique Maple Dijon vinaigrette recipe .
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Make sure it's good Dijon!
• Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
• Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup (50g) .
• Pecans: 1/2 cup (50g) , halves. Toast them! See below for why.
• Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g) , fresh, chopped (optional).
• Green Onions: 2 , thinly sliced (optional).

Seasoning Notes

This ain't just throwing stuff together. It is a celebration of flavors. This recipe is full of Autumnal side dish recipes

The salt and pepper are crucial for bringing out the natural flavours of the wild rice . The maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and garlic in the vinaigrette creates an amazing balance.

Don't have apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar works fine.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gear. This isn't MasterChef .

• Medium Saucepan with Lid. Vital for cooking the wild rice pilaf .
• Small Bowl or Jar for Vinaigrette. A mason jar is perfect.
• Baking Sheet for Toasting Pecans (optional).
• Whisk.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons.

And that's it! Simple, right? Let's get cooking some Wild rice recipes easy .

Cooking Method: Transforming Wild Rice into Pilaf Perfection

Alright, so you wanna make some seriously tasty wild rice pilaf ? I’m gonna share my go-to method. We're skipping the fancy chef jargon and getting straight to the good stuff.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place is KEY, darling! Honestly, it makes life so much easier. Gather everything before you start. Rinse 1 cup of wild rice .

I can't stress this enough; rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This gets rid of extra starch.

Chop ½ cup pecans and measure out the rest.

For a time saver, toast the pecans while the rice cooks. Just keep a close eye, yeah? Safety reminder : Don't burn them!

step-by-step: Easy as Pie

1. Combine rinsed wild rice , 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon butter (or oil), ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a saucepan.
2. Bring it all to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer for 45- 50 minutes , or until the rice is tender.
5. While the rice simmers, toast ½ cup pecans in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for 5- 7 minutes . Watch closely.
6. Whisk together your Maple Dijon vinaigrette recipe ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and garlic.
7. Fluff the cooked rice and combine it with ½ cup dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and the vinaigrette.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pilaf

Toasting the pecans is a game changer . It brings out their nutty flavor. A common mistake? Overcooking the rice. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes .

Aim for a tender but not mushy texture. And I love that this dish can be made a day ahead!

Seriously, this wild rice Thanksgiving side dish is perfect . It's also amazing as part of Meals With Wild Rice . Plus it makes for a great Autumnal side dish recipes .

Or you can use it in wild rice salad . You could even try out some Vegetarian wild rice recipes . This recipe can even be a Casserole Recipe Healthy .

Honestly, it's super versatile, and everyone loves it! Enjoy your amazing wild rice pilaf .

Recipe Notes: Making Your Wild Rice Dreams a Reality

Alright, let's talk shop about this wild rice pilaf . Honestly, it's easier than parallel parking, I promise. But a few insider tips never hurt, right?

Serving Suggestions: It's All About That Presentation!

Think of this Cranberry pecan wild rice dish as a blank canvas. A little bit of parsley goes a long way.

It just adds a pop of color. Meals With Wild Rice is perfect for fancy dinner parties. You can also use it for casual weeknight meals.

Complement this dish with roasted chicken. Or try some grilled salmon. You know? A glass of crisp white wine also works wonders.

Make sure your drink is a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Pop that wild rice salad into an airtight container. Into the fridge it goes for up to four days .

Freezing? I wouldn't. The texture of the rice changes, and not in a good way.

Reheating is a breeze. A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle warm-up in a pan. Add a splash of broth.

Then it's like it was freshly made. Just remember, always ensure food is piping hot - above 165° F ( 74° C) - before serving .

Variations: Let's Get Creative

Want to go vegetarian ? No problem. Just use vegetable broth. Ditching the dairy? Make sure your Dijon is dairy-free. This is one of the easiest vegetarian wild rice recipes .

For a seasonal twist, swap cranberries for dried cherries in the spring. Add some roasted butternut squash for autumnal side dish recipes .

This makes the recipe a casserole recipe healthy . You can also use different nuts.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Okay, I'm not a nutritionist. Here's the skinny: this wild rice pilaf is a good source of fiber and complex carbs.

It's gonna keep you full. Plus, the pecans give you healthy fats. Wild rice is a great choice compared to white rice, which can be bad.

Don't sweat the small stuff with nutrition facts. It's a healthy side dish. Eating your wild rice Thanksgiving side dish will have you feeling cozy and ready for the holidays!

So there you have it! Don't be afraid to experiment. This wild rice pilaf is yours to play with, I'm pretty sure you'll knock it out of the park.

Enjoy your wild rice pilaf !