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Wild Rice, Dried Cherry & Pecan Pilaf

Wild Rice, Dried Cherry & Pecan Pilaf is a delightful side dish that combines earthy wild rice with the sweetness of dried cherries and the crunch of pecans. This vibrant pilaf elevates any meal, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. With its stunning colors and rich flavors, this dish is bound to impress your family and guests alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup wild rice
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup dried cherries (unsweetened)
  • 0.5 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse wild rice under cold water until clear. Combine rice and vegetable broth in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
  4. Stir in dried cherries and toasted pecans; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Fluff cooked wild rice with a fork and combine with the cherry-pecan mixture in the skillet. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
  6. Serve garnished with additional pecans or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added flavor, toast wild rice briefly before boiling. Substitute dried cherries with cranberries or raisins for different sweetness. Customize by incorporating seasonal vegetables like carrots or zucchini.