If you are looking for a dish that beautifully balances nutty, sweet, and savory flavors, this Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the hearty, chewy texture of wild rice with bursts of tart dried cranberries and crisp apple chunks, enhanced by fragrant herbs and toasted pecans. The warm roasted garlic-infused oil and butter infuse every bite with comfort, making this not just a side dish but a star on your table that brings both vibrant flavors and colorful appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe is surprisingly simple in terms of ingredients, yet every item plays a key role in building its unforgettable taste and texture. From the buttery richness to the sweet-tart fruit and earthy nuts, each component is essential.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious base to sauté the rice and infuse it with depth.
- 1 tablespoon Roasted Garlic Infused Oil: Adds aromatic warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 cups wild rice or brown rice: The hearty main ingredient, offering a nutty chew and beautiful dark grain color.
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth or stock: Provides rich moisture and enhances the savory profile.
- ¾ cup sweetened dried cranberries: Bring a pop of sweet and tart that contrasts the savory notes perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Rustic Herb Seasoning: A blend that introduces fragrant complexity and complements the garlic.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and highlights all the natural flavors.
- 1 small apple, chopped: Adds crisp texture and subtle sweetness that brightens the dish.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Provide crunch and a buttery nutty complement.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, herbal finish that visually enlivens the pilaf.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s perfectly ready when you move the dish from stovetop to oven, allowing the wild rice to finish cooking evenly and all flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Rice
Warm butter and roasted garlic-infused oil in a Dutch oven or oven-safe casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add the wild rice and sauté for about three minutes, stirring frequently until every grain is well-coated and slightly toasted. This step enhances the nuttiness and prevents the rice from sticking during baking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried cranberries, Rustic Herb Seasoning, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates a flavorful broth that the rice soaks up while cooking, infusing it with sweet, savory, and herbal notes all at once.
Step 4: Bake the Pilaf
Cover the dish tightly and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes. This slow cooking lets the rice absorb all the liquid and allows the cranberries to soften just right without losing their shape. The result is tender, perfectly cooked grains bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Finish the Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe
Once the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, remove the dish from the oven. Stir in the chopped apple and pecans, adding fresh crunch and fruity brightness just before serving. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley to complete this dazzling dish.
How to Serve Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate presentation, finely chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of toasted pecans make wonderful garnishes. Not only do they add visual appeal, but they also lend fresh and crunchy notes that enhance every bite.
Side Dishes
This pilaf pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, or even a rich mushroom gravy for vegetarian meals. Its vibrant flavors and texture can also complement a variety of green vegetable sides, like roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans brightened with lemon zest.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe in individual ramekins or as a bed beneath seared chicken breasts. You can also stuff bell peppers or squash halves with the pilaf for an eye-catching, flavorful entree that surprises and delights guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The pilaf keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a great choice for easy lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the convenience of having this dish on hand, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pilaf in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, stirring occasionally. Microwave reheating works too — cover the dish to retain steam, heating in short intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in the Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice works perfectly and yields a similar texture with a slightly milder flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking time since brown rice may vary slightly from wild rice in how long it takes to become tender.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
To make this pilaf vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rich flavors and textures remain intact, leaving you with a delicious meat-free option everyone will love.
What can I do if I don’t have roasted garlic infused oil?
If you don’t have roasted garlic infused oil, you can use regular olive oil combined with a small amount of minced garlic sautéed gently until fragrant. This approach will provide a similar depth of garlic flavor.
Can I prepare the pilaf ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to the baking step, refrigerate overnight, then bake just before your guests arrive. This saves time and lets you focus on other preparations.
How can I add more protein to this Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe?
For a protein boost, try mixing in cooked chicken pieces, crumbled feta, or roasted chickpeas. These additions complement the flavors without overshadowing the delicate balance of sweet and savory.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe feels like giving you a little secret to brighten any meal. It’s vibrant, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving holiday guests or just want a delicious side to elevate a weeknight dinner, this pilaf will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf that combines nutty wild rice with sweet dried cranberries, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans, all seasoned with rustic herbs and infused garlic oil. This comforting dish is baked to perfection, making it a perfect side for holiday meals or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Rice and Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Roasted Garlic Infused Oil
- 2 cups wild rice or brown rice
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon Rustic Herb Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins and Garnish
- ¾ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1 small apple, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rice pilaf.
- Sauté Rice: In a Dutch oven or an oven-safe casserole dish, heat the butter and roasted garlic infused oil over medium-high heat. Add the wild or brown rice and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice is well-coated with the fat and slightly toasted.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the unsalted chicken broth or stock, then add the sweetened dried cranberries, rustic herb seasoning, and salt. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.
- Bake: Once simmering, cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish the Pilaf: Remove the dish from the oven. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped apple and pecans for a crunchy, fresh contrast. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Wild rice can be substituted with brown rice for a different texture but similar cooking time.
- Use unsalted chicken broth to control sodium levels more effectively.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter.
- Make sure to cover the casserole tightly to avoid drying out the rice during baking.
- Chop the apple just before mixing to keep it fresh and crisp.
- Rustic Herb Seasoning can be substituted with a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and sage.
