Name: Holiday Side Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups wild rice blend.; 1 small leek, chopped and rinsed well.; 1 bell pepper, diced.; 1 carrot, grated.; 1/3 cup vegan white wine.; 1/2 cup dried cranberries (plus 1/3 cup for garnish).; 3 cups low sodium vegetable stock or water.; 2 bay leaves.; 1 sprig rosemary.; 1 sprig sage.; 8 sprigs fresh thyme.; 3 sprigs fresh oregano.; 1 tbsp dried oregano.; 1 pinch red pepper flakes or to taste.; 1 splash water (or 2 tsp olive oil).

This Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf is a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Combining the earthiness of wild rice with the sweetness of dried cranberries, it brings a festive touch to any holiday meal. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage infuse each bite with seasonal flavors, while a splash of white wine adds a subtle depth to the dish. Serve it warm for a cozy dinner or enjoy it chilled as part of a larger spread. It’s easy to make, yet impressive enough for a special occasion.

This Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf is a delicious way to add flavor and texture to your holiday table. It combines earthy wild rice, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect side dish for any festive gathering.

INGREDIENTS

Wild Rice Blend: 1.5 cups, adds a chewy, nutty texture to the dish.

Leek: 1 small, chopped and rinsed, for a mild onion flavor.
Bell Pepper: 1, diced, adds a bit of sweetness and color.

Carrot: 1, grated, for a touch of natural sweetness.

Vegan White Wine: 1/3 cup, enhances the depth of flavor.
Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup, with 1/3 cup reserved for garnish, brings a sweet and tart element.
Vegetable Stock or Water: 3 cups, provides the base for cooking the rice.

Herbs: 2 bay leaves, 1 sprig each of rosemary and sage, 8 sprigs of fresh thyme, and 3 sprigs of fresh oregano, for an aromatic and earthy flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, for a hint of heat.
Olive Oil or Water: A splash, for sautéing the vegetables.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat a large deep skillet or pot over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil, then add the chopped leeks. Sauté with a pinch of sea salt until translucent.
Step 2:: Stir in the grated carrot, fresh thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes. Add the wild rice blend and stir well to combine. Allow it to toast together with the aromatics for a couple of minutes.
Step 3:: Add the diced bell pepper and 1/2 cup of the dried cranberries. Pour in the vegan white wine and simmer until it reduces by half. Then add the vegetable stock or water. Stir and taste for seasoning, adding more salt if needed.
Step 4:: Bring the rice mixture to a simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook on low heat for about 50 minutes. Turn off the heat but keep the lid on, allowing the rice to sit covered for 10-15 minutes to finish steaming.
Step 5:: Discard the bay leaves and any woody herb sprigs. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice.
Step 6:: Serve warm or chilled, garnished with the remaining cranberries and additional fresh herbs, if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the wild rice pilaf warm as a side dish with roasted turkey, chicken, or as a vegetarian main course.
This dish can also be served cold as part of a holiday salad spread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water and warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Helpful Notes

If using a different rice blend, adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
Add a handful of toasted nuts, like almonds or pecans, for a crunchy texture.
Feel free to add more herbs or adjust seasoning to suit your taste.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Yotam Ottolenghi suggests using fresh herbs generously to bring out the earthy flavors in grain dishes.
Chef Ina Garten recommends letting the rice sit covered off the heat to absorb moisture and ensure perfectly cooked grains.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

It’s a beautiful and colorful addition to any holiday table.

The mix of cranberries and herbs adds a sweet and savory contrast that complements any main course.
This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan, making it perfect for diverse gatherings.