Cranberry Wild Rice
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Wild Rice recipe! Perfectly cooked wild rice simmered in savory broth forms the hearty base, while tart dried cranberries and toasted pecans add bursts of sweetness and crunch. Aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and earthy thyme infuse every bite with rich, comforting flavors. A garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, making this dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether served as a stand-alone dish or a festive holiday side, this recipe is a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and gourmet flair. Quick to prep and packed with texture, it’s gluten-free, customizable, and sure to impress at any table. Keywords: wild rice, cranberry wild rice, side dish, Thanksgiving, gluten-free recipe, festive rice dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 0.25 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the wild rice under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the wild rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover with a lid. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
While the rice is cooking, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Stir in the dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and cooked wild rice. Mix well until fully combined.
Season with thyme, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish or a standalone meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1290 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.5 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1584 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 197.6 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.9 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.9 g | ||
| Protein | 30.6 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 93 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 988 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
