Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Caramelized Sweet Potato and Kale Fried Wild Rice served with vinaigrette

Caramelized Sweet Potato and Kale Fried Wild Rice A Beautiful Balance of Sweet and Savory

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stir‑fry / sauté in skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Wild rice blend stir‑fried with caramelized sweet potatoes and tender kale, all tossed in a maple‑Dijon vinaigrette and topped with roasted salted pepitas—a flavorful, nutritious one‑pan side.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 cup wild rice blend
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 Tbsp butter (or vegan butter)
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 1 medium) sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2″ cubes (~1 cup)
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 4 cups packed chopped curly kale (~1/2 bunch)
  • 1/4 cup roasted salted pepitas
  • Maple‑Dijon Vinaigrette: 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic (minced), salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook wild rice blend in chicken stock per package directions; set aside. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  2. Blanch chopped kale in boiling salted water for 4–5 minutes until tender; drain, squeeze out moisture and crumble. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  3. In a skillet over medium‑high heat, melt butter with brown sugar; add sweet potato cubes, season with salt, and sauté 8–10 minutes until tender and caramelized. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  4. Meanwhile, whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a jar or bowl; set aside. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  5. Add cooked rice and kale to the skillet, drizzle vinaigrette over, and toss until heated through and coated. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  6. Spoon onto plates and sprinkle with roasted salted pepitas before serving. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Notes

  • Rice can be cooked up to 3 days ahead. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  • Stripping kale stems makes prep easier—grip leaf at stem base and pull. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  • For more caramelization, use cast‑iron skillet or increase heat slightly. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  • Substitute greens (spinach, Swiss chard), grains (quinoa), or add protein like chicken or tofu. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  • Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3–4 days; gently reheat with a splash of stock to revive moisture. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: ≈285 kcal
  • Sugar: ≈8 g
  • Sodium: ≈87 mg
  • Fat: ≈13 g
  • Saturated Fat: ≈3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ≥7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: ≈36 g
  • Fiber: ≈5 g
  • Protein: ≈8 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg