Nutted Wild Rice
Nutted Wild Rice combines hearty wild rice with crunchy pecans, sweet raisins, and fresh orange flavors, making it a delightful side suitable for festive or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place rice in a strainer and rinse in cold water.
- Put rice in a heavy saucepan.
- Add 5 1/2 cups chicken stock to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes, checking after 30 minutes to prevent over-softening.
- Put a thin towel in a colander.
- Drain the cooked rice and place it in a bowl.
- Add pecan halves, golden raisins (if using), grated orange rind, chopped mint, sliced green onions, olive oil, orange juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and let stand for 2 hours to develop flavors.
- Serve at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet before adding them to the rice. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider using dried cranberries instead of golden raisins. Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried, but use about one-third the amount. Be careful not to overcook the wild rice; it should remain slightly chewy for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Nutted Wild Rice is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a gourmet touch to any meal. For a complete vegetarian option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or try it with Herbed Pinwheels for a delightful lunch. It also makes an excellent side for holiday dinners or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or orange juice to prevent drying out, then microwave in short intervals, stirring until heated through. This dish can also be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nutted Wild Rice contains roughly 169 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
While brown rice can be used, it has a different cooking time and texture. Brown rice typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cook, whereas wild rice cooks in about 45 minutes. If you choose to substitute, adjust the cooking time accordingly and check for doneness periodically.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just make sure to use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for the cooking liquid to keep it plant-based. The combination of nuts and dried fruit provides a satisfying and nutritious dish.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Follow the recipe up to step 9, then refrigerate the mixture after mixing. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).