Wild Rice And Pecan Stuffing
A hearty wild rice and pecan stuffing with fragrant herbs, mushrooms, and a rich flavor profile, perfect for holiday meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 7 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups wild rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 stick unsalted butter ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Madeira wine ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 3/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring 6 1/2 cups chicken stock and bay leaf to a boil in a large saucepan. Add wild rice.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add long grain white rice, cover, and cook until both rices are tender and stock is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked rice mixture to a large bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. If wild rice is hard to find, you can substitute with quinoa or additional long grain rice. When sautéing vegetables, use a mix of butter and olive oil for a richer flavor. Feel free to experiment with herbs; rosemary or sage could be wonderful additions.
Serving Suggestions
This wild rice and pecan stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey as a festive side dish. You can serve it alongside Jenny'S Cream Of Crab Soup for a hearty meal. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It also complements a simple green salad for a light lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice And Pecan Stuffing contains roughly 3170 calories, with 76g protein, 451g carbohydrates, and 174g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (528% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (356% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1274mg per serving (55% 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 make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this stuffing a day in advance. Just cook the rice and sauté the vegetables, then combine everything. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving. It makes for an easy addition to your holiday meal prep.
Is this stuffing gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it contains no bread or gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that your chicken stock and any other packaged ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked sausage or diced chicken to the mixture. You could also stir in some cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option, making it a hearty standalone dish.
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).