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Savory Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe with Cranberries and Pecans

wild rice pilaf - featured image

A flavorful and versatile dish featuring nutty wild rice, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, perfect for holidays or everyday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup wild rice blend
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: A pinch of dried thyme or sage

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of wild rice under cold water and drain. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
  2. While the rice is cooking, toast 1/2 cup of pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once fragrant and slightly browned, remove from heat and let cool. Chop into smaller pieces.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet with the veggies. Stir well to combine. Fold in the dried cranberries and toasted pecans.
  5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. If using dried thyme or sage, add a pinch for extra flavor. Finish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  6. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm!

Notes

Rinse wild rice before cooking to improve texture. Toast pecans for enhanced flavor. Customize with different nuts, fruits, or proteins.

Nutrition

Keywords: wild rice pilaf, cranberries, pecans, vegetarian, gluten-free, holiday recipe, side dish