Best 2 Cranberry Apple Pecan Wild Rice Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey with a delightful Cranberry-Apple-Pecan Wild Rice dish that is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a symphony of textures. This vegetarian main course or hearty side dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, featuring the tangy sweetness of cranberries, the crisp crunch of apples, the nutty richness of pecans, and the earthy heartiness of wild rice.

Accompanying this star recipe are three additional variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences and culinary inclinations. The Cranberry-Apple-Pecan Quinoa Salad offers a lighter and gluten-free alternative, while the Cranberry-Apple-Pecan Pilaf introduces aromatic basmati rice to the mix. For those seeking a vegan option, the Cranberry-Apple-Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash presents a delightful surprise, combining the flavors of the filling with the roasted squash.

These recipes are not just culinary delights; they are also versatile and adaptable to suit your unique preferences. Whether you're a vegetarian seeking a satisfying main course, a health-conscious individual looking for a nutritious side dish, or simply a food enthusiast seeking new flavor combinations, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CRANBERRY APPLE PECAN WILD RICE PILAF RECIPE - (3.6/5)

CRANBERRY APPLE PECAN WILD RICE PILAF Recipe - (3.6/5) image

Provided by PineyCook

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1-1/2 cups apple juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
1/2 large onion, diced
1 Fuji or honeycrisp apple, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Garnish (optional)
fresh thyme
fresh parsley

Steps:

Bring broth, apple juice Dijon, 1 tablespoon butter, salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, parsley and bay leaf to a boil in a large nonstick skillet. Add rice, cover and reduce heat to low (dial should be just above lowest LOW setting). Simmer 45-60 minutes or until rice is tender and almost all of the liquid has been absorbed, checking rice for doneness at 45 minutes. Once cooked, drain rice and leave in fine hole strainer. To the now empty pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Increase heat to medium high and add onions and apples; saute for 5-7 minutes, or until onions and apples are tender. Add garlic and saute for 30 more seconds. Return rice to skillet along with cranberries, pecans and apple cider vinegar. Toss to evenly combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish as desired.

CRANBERRY APPLE PECAN WILD RICE

Cranberry Apple Pecan Wild Rice image

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1.5 cups low sodium chicken broth
1.5 cups apple juice
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
3 tablespoon butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup wild rice, rinsed until water runs clear and drained
1/2 large onion, diced
1 fuji or honeycrisp apple, diced
3 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, toasted

Steps:

Combine chicken broth, apple juice, dijon, 1 tbsp butter, salt, pepper, parsley, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf in a large skillet. Bring to a boil, add rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer 45 to 60 minutes, until rice is tender and almost all of the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, drain the rice and leave it in the strainer.
Melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat in the same skillet. Saute onions and apples for five to seven minutes, until tender. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds.
Return rice to skillet with cranberries, pecans, apples, and apple cider vinegar. Toss to combine evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Note: I tripled the recipe easily for a large crowd, using half brown rice and half wild rice. Add the pecans in just before serving so they do not become soft.

Tips:

Choose the right rice: Wild rice is the star of this dish, but you can substitute brown rice or quinoa if you prefer.
Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries are tart and juicy, but frozen cranberries will work in a pinch.
Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor.
Don't overcook the rice: Wild rice should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight chew to it.
Let the salad cool before serving: This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the dressing.

Conclusion:

This cranberry apple pecan wild rice salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with flavor and texture, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a side dish that is both delicious and nutritious, give this salad a try. You won't be disappointed!