Wild Rice With Scallions And Cranberries
A flavorful wild rice dish featuring tender grains, bright scallions, tart cranberries, and toasted almonds, perfect for festive gatherings or wholesome everyday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until tender.
- Add wild rice, salt, and white pepper; stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken stock; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook until rice is tender, about 30 to 60 minutes. If all liquid is not absorbed but rice is tender, strain off excess liquid.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegan option. If you can't find wild rice, a mixture of brown rice and black rice can serve as a substitute, though the cooking time may vary. Toasting the almonds before adding them brings out their flavor, making the dish even more delicious. Stir in some fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve wild rice with scallions and cranberries as a hearty side dish to accompany roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. It pairs beautifully with 'Sirloin Tips Over Rice' for a complete meal. Garnish with additional sliced scallions or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an attractive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover wild rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice With Scallions And Cranberries contains roughly 2258 calories, with 57g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 190g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), protein (114% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2081mg per serving (90% 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?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for wild rice, but note that the cooking time will be shorter, approximately 20-30 minutes. Adjust the liquid accordingly, as brown rice cooks faster and absorbs liquid differently.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make this dish vegan, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth. The other ingredients are naturally plant-based, making it a great option for anyone following vegan recipes.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider mixing in cooked chickpeas or black beans after the rice has finished cooking. You can also top the dish with grilled tofu or tempeh for a hearty, satisfying meal.
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).