Description
A flavorful and hearty Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf combining nutty wild rice with sweet dried cranberries, fresh apple, and crunchy pecans. This versatile dish is savory with a hint of sweetness and perfect for holiday meals or as a comforting side dish year-round.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Roasted Garlic Infused Oil
- 2 cups wild rice or brown rice
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth or stock
- ¾ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon Rustic Herb Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 small apple, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rice pilaf.
- Sauté Rice: In a Dutch oven or oven-safe casserole dish, heat the butter and roasted garlic infused oil over medium-high heat. Add the wild or brown rice and sauté for about 3 minutes until the rice is well-coated and slightly toasted, enhancing its flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the unsalted chicken broth, add the sweetened dried cranberries, Rustic Herb Seasoning, and salt. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, cover the dish tightly.
- Bake: Transfer the covered Dutch oven or casserole dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish the Pilaf: Remove the dish from the oven. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the chopped apple and chopped pecans to add fresh texture and flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of Rustic Herb Seasoning if preferred.
- Make sure the casserole dish is oven-safe and has a tight-fitting lid to properly cook the rice.
- Apples add freshness and crunch; firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
- To make this gluten-free, ensure that the seasoning and broth used are gluten-free.
