Description
A flavorful Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf combining nutty wild rice with sweet dried cranberries, fresh apples, and crunchy pecans, cooked in aromatic chicken broth and infused with garlic oil for a perfect holiday or everyday side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Roasted Garlic Infused Oil
- 2 cups wild rice or brown rice
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth or stock
Flavorings and Add-ins
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pilaf.
- Sauté Rice: In a Dutch oven or oven-safe casserole dish, melt the butter with the roasted garlic infused oil over medium-high heat. Add the wild rice and stir to coat the grains well. Continue sautéing for about 3 minutes to toast the rice slightly and infuse it with 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 on the stovetop. Once simmering, cover the dish with a lid.
- Bake: Transfer the covered dish to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and becomes tender.
- Finish the Pilaf: Remove the pilaf from the oven. Stir in the chopped apple and pecans evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Wild rice can take longer to cook if not pre-soaked; soaking for 1 hour before beginning can reduce baking time slightly.
- Rustic Herb Seasoning typically contains herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage—feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- The roasted garlic infused oil adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish; if unavailable, regular olive oil can be substituted.
- The sweetness from the cranberries and apple balances the earthiness of the rice, making this a great side for poultry or pork dishes.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
