Description
Cranberry pecan sweet potato wild rice pilaf brings warmth and comfort to seasonal gatherings with its rustic blend of hearty grains and festive flavors. Rich textures and balanced sweet-savory notes invite you to savor each delightful spoonful of this satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Liquid and Aromatics:
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse wild rice under cold running water, ensuring complete drainage. Transfer to a medium saucepan and combine with vegetable broth. Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and allow rice to simmer for 45-50 minutes until grains become tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
- Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Prepare a baking sheet and distribute diced sweet potato evenly, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through, until edges caramelize and potato cubes become golden and crisp.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and dried thyme, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fluff cooked wild rice with a fork and transfer into skillet containing onion mixture. Carefully fold roasted sweet potato cubes into the rice, ensuring even distribution. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
- Transfer pilaf to serving dish, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm to maintain optimal texture and flavor profile.
Notes
- Customize rice texture by adjusting cooking liquid, using more broth for softer rice or less for a firmer bite.
- Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a crunchier element.
- Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for deeper flavor profile or use water for a lighter preparation.
- Make recipe gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and checking broth labels carefully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg