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Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf

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A festive and flavorful wild rice pilaf combining toasted pecans, tart cranberries, and fresh herbs, perfect as a make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups wild rice blend (270g)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (960ml)
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries (100g)
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted (120g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (15g)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer and drain well (about 2 minutes).
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed wild rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until tender and most liquid is absorbed. Drain any remaining liquid.
  3. While the rice cooks, toast the chopped pecans in a dry large skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and diced celery over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed vegetables, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, and orange zest. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, starting with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, adjusting as needed.
  7. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra toasted pecans and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Make ahead by preparing rice and sautéed vegetables a day before. Combine and refrigerate, then bake fresh on serving day. Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Use a spatula to gently mix to avoid breaking rice grains. Baking step is essential for flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry, pecan, wild rice, pilaf, Thanksgiving, side dish, gluten-free, vegan, holiday recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/irresistible-cranberry-pecan-wild-rice-pilaf-recipe-perfect-for-thanksgiving-side/