Cranberry Orange Wild Rice Pilaf
This elegant wild rice pilaf is studded with tart dried cranberries and brightened with fresh orange zest for a festive presentation. It is a beautiful and unique holiday side that pairs wonderfully with turkey or roasted chicken.
A festive wild rice pilaf bursting with cranberries and orange zest that adds color and elegance to your holiday spread.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
main
mix-ins
flavor
liquid
topping
Instructions
Toast the Rice
Melt the butter in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed wild rice blend and toast it in the butter for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and fragrant. This step builds incredible depth of flavor in the final dish.
Cook the Rice
Pour in the vegetable broth along with the orange juice and bring everything to a boil. Stir once to combine, then reduce the heat to low and cover tightly. Cook undisturbed for 45 to 50 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the wild rice has opened and is tender.
Add the Mix-Ins
Remove the lid and fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork. Fold in the dried cranberries and the orange zest while the rice is still hot so the flavors meld together beautifully. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pilaf to a wide serving bowl or platter. Scatter the toasted pecans over the top just before serving to keep them crunchy. Garnish with a few extra strips of orange zest if desired for a polished holiday presentation.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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