Description
Delectable Thanksgiving wild rice pilaf showcases Northwestern harvest flavors with hearty ingredients. Nutty grains and seasonal vegetables create a comforting side dish you will savor during festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups wild rice blend
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable stock or water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small leek, chopped and rinsed well
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 sprig sage
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 sprigs fresh oregano
Flavor Enhancers and Liquids:
- 1/3 cup vegan white wine
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 splash water (or 2 teaspoons olive oil)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium-low temperature, introducing a light coating of olive oil. Gently sauté chopped leeks with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt until they become soft and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate grated carrots and aromatic herbs including thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes. Introduce wild rice mix, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings and allow ingredients to toast for 2 minutes, releasing their essential flavors.
- Fold in diced bell pepper and half the cranberries. Pour wine into the skillet, simmering until liquid reduces by 50%. Add vegetable stock, stirring and adjusting seasoning with additional salt as needed.
- Reduce heat to low, cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and cook rice for 50 minutes. After cooking time concludes, remove from heat but keep lid sealed, allowing rice to steam for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and woody herb sprigs. Delicately fluff rice using a fork, ensuring grains remain light and separated.
- Present the pilaf warm or chilled, elegantly garnishing with remaining cranberries and fresh herbs for a vibrant, festive appearance.
Notes
- Wild rice mix offers exceptional texture and nutritional diversity, providing more protein and fiber compared to standard white rice.
- Toasting herbs and spices before adding rice intensifies their aromatic compounds, creating deeper flavor profiles throughout the dish.
- Choose low-sodium vegetable stock to control salt levels, allowing individual diners to season according to personal preference.
- Swap fresh herbs with dried alternatives using a 1:3 ratio if seasonal availability is limited, maintaining robust herbal undertones.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg