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The rice pilaf served in a large white bowl with a wooden spoon.
Course Side Dish

Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Apples

By: Elysia
Servings 6 servings
This wild rice pilaf recipe is a definite crowd pleaser and must-have dish at any holiday get together! Packed with apples and cranberries, it's bursting with flavour and makes the perfect healthy side dish for any feast! {Gluten-free & vegan}
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened apple juice no sugar added
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup wild rice rinsed and drained
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 medium apple chopped
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • In a large non-stick skillet, bring rice, broth, apple juice, mustard, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, parsley and bay leaf to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45-60 minutes or until rice is tender and almost all of the liquid has been absorbed. Check rice for doneness at 45 minutes. Once cooked, allow it to sit covered in the pan for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
  • Meanwhile, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a frying pan. Add onions, apples and mushrooms. Saute for 5-7 minutes, or until mixture is tender. Add garlic and saute for 30 more seconds.
  • Add the apple and mushroom mixture to the cooked rice along with the cranberries and walnuts. Toss to evenly combine. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

  • I used a wild rice blend to incorporate more colour and texture. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of wild rice that you use, so be sure to read the package instructions for cooking time. The variety I purchasesd took about 50 minutes to cook.
  • Rinse the wild rice prior to cooking. To do so, place the wild rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse in the sink under cold running water. Shake to drain and proceed to add it to the saucepan for cooking.
  • Use 100% pure apple juice with no added sugar when cooking the rice.
  • Cook wild rice until liquid is almost completely absorbed, about 45-60 minutes. Then allow it to sit covered for 5-10 minutes to absorb remaining liquid.
  • You can use whatever type of apple you have on hand. If you prefer apples with a sweeter flavour, try Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious. For a more tart taste, use Honey Crisp, Pink Lady or Granny Smith.

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 444mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 183IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
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