Description
This festive Wild Rice Pilaf with Sweet Potatoes, Cranberries, and Pecans is a perfect side dish for any holiday or special occasion. The combination of hearty wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a deliciously balanced dish full of flavor and texture. A healthy, gluten-free, and plant-based option that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice under cold water and drain. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potato with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread it out on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly browned.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Once the wild rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the onion mixture. Gently fold in the roasted sweet potatoes, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add-ins: You can add toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0 g