Wild Rice Pecan
A hearty rice dish featuring nutty wild rice and crunchy pecans, perfect for a cozy side or vegetarian main packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the wild rice.
- Lower the heat and simmer the wild rice for 45 minutes.
- About halfway through cooking, bring the remaining 2 cups of water to a boil in a separate saucepan.
- Add the remaining salt and the long grain rice to the boiling water.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 18 minutes.
- Once both rice types are cooked, combine them and stir in the chopped pecans.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the rice. You can substitute the wild rice with a mix of brown rice and quinoa for a different texture. If you want to enhance the dish, consider adding dried cranberries or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this wild rice pecan dish as a hearty side for roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Syrian Beet Salad for a vibrant and nutritious meal. For a complete vegetarian option, consider adding a side of Easy No Bake Rum Balls for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in short intervals, stirring often, until heated through. This will help prevent the rice from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice Pecan contains roughly 782 calories, with 30g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (225% of the Daily Value), iron (134% of the Daily Value), and calcium (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 537mg per serving (23% 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 long grain rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for long grain rice, but note that the cooking time will be longer. Generally, brown rice takes about 45 minutes to cook, so adjust the timing accordingly to ensure both rice types are perfectly cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for entertaining guests.
What other nuts can I use in this recipe?
While pecans add a lovely flavor, you can also use walnuts or almonds as alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the chopping size based on the nut type you choose to maintain a good texture in the 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).