Description
This delicious Wild Rice Pilaf combines the savory goodness of wild rice with the sweet flavors of dried cranberries, crisp apples, and roasted pecans. Simmered in a flavorful herb-seasoned broth, this recipe makes for a perfect healthy homemade recipe side dish, ideal for holidays or any special meal. You can enjoy this easy, one-pot meal as a healthy homemade recipe lunch, dinner, or even a tasty healthy homemade snacks!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups apple juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 1 Fuji or honeycrisp apple, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (to taste)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- Fresh thyme (optional garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, bring the chicken broth, apple juice, Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon butter, salt, pepper, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf to a boil.
- Add the wild rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed. Check for doneness after 45 minutes, and cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once cooked, drain the rice and set it aside in a fine-hole strainer.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Increase heat to medium-high and add the diced onions and chopped apple. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Return the cooked rice to the skillet with the sautéed onions and apples. Add the dried cranberries and toasted pecans.
- Add apple cider vinegar gradually, tasting for tanginess. I recommend about 2 teaspoons, but adjust as needed.
- Toss everything together to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the tanginess of the dish by adding apple cider vinegar to your taste.
- If the rice absorbs all of the liquid before it’s fully cooked, add additional water in small increments.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving (Approx.)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg