Savory Apple Walnut Rice Medley
This delightful Apple Walnut Rice Medley is a heartwarming, vegan stuffing reminiscent of traditional holiday fare, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. Inspired by a classic recipe from Better Homes & Gardens, this dish is hearty and satisfying, featuring a blend of colorful rice varieties: brown, black, and long-grain yellow rice. The combination of sweet McIntosh apples, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic vegetables creates a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy, whether you’re vegan or not. Add a splash of port wine for depth, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to be the star of your feast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
wild rice
1 cup (uncooked)
sunflower oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking rice)
celery heart
1 (minced (with leaves))
white onion
1 small (finely chopped)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing onion)
walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
McIntosh apples
2 (cored and chopped)
port wine
2 tablespoons
dried parsley
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and stir in the wild rice (or your custom blend of rice). Introduce 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil and cover. Allow it to simmer on medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice reaches 'al dente' tenderness.
2
While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent and lightly caramelized.
3
Once the rice is cooked, turn off the burners while leaving the saucepan with the rice covered. Gently fluff the rice using a wooden spoon or fork, incorporating the remaining water.
4
In a small bowl, mix together the port wine and dried parsley to create a flavorful dressing.
5
Combine the sautéed onion, minced celery heart (with leaves), chopped apples, and walnuts into the rice pan. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
6
Pour the port and parsley mixture over the rice and gently stir to combine. Turn the burner back on to medium-low heat, cover the pan, and allow it to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
7
After cooking, uncover the pan and fluff the stuffing again with a wooden spoon or fork. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving or using as stuffing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Apple Walnut Rice Medley?
It is a heartwarming vegan stuffing made with rice, apples, and walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is both vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
What type of rice is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of wild rice or a custom blend of brown, black, and long-grain yellow rice.
Can I use a rice blend?
Yes, a colorful blend of rice varieties such as brown, black, and yellow rice works well.
What are the key ingredients?
Key ingredients include wild rice, McIntosh apples, walnuts, onion, celery, and port wine.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
The rice should simmer for 15-20 minutes until it reaches al dente tenderness.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
McIntosh apples are recommended for their sweet flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of apple?
While McIntosh is specified, you can use other sweet apple varieties if needed.
Why is port wine used?
Port wine is added to provide depth and a rich flavor profile to the dressing.
Can I substitute the port wine?
You can omit it or use a splash of grape juice for a similar depth of flavor.
How do I prepare the celery?
You should mince one celery heart, making sure to include the leaves for flavor.
How do I sauté the onions?
Sauté finely chopped white onion in olive oil for 15-20 minutes until translucent and caramelized.
What oil is used for the rice?
Use sunflower oil when simmering the rice in the saucepan.
What oil is used for the onions?
Use olive oil specifically for sautéing the onions in the skillet.
Can I use this as a holiday stuffing?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a festive holiday stuffing for various gatherings.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is a perfect healthy side dish or stuffing for a Thanksgiving dinner.
Is this recipe suitable for Christmas?
Yes, it is a great addition to any Christmas feast.
How do I make the dressing?
Mix together 2 tablespoons of port wine and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in a small bowl.
When do I add the walnuts?
Add the chopped walnuts into the rice pan along with the onions, celery, and apples after the rice is initially cooked.
How long do the flavors need to meld?
After mixing all ingredients, cook on medium-low heat for an additional 8-10 minutes to let flavors meld.
Do I need to fluff the rice?
Yes, fluff the rice both after initial cooking and after the final simmering process.
What is the texture of the rice after the first step?
The rice should be 'al dente,' meaning it is firm to the bite.
Can I add salt to the recipe?
Yes, add a pinch of salt to the water when you start boiling the rice.
How many McIntosh apples are needed?
The recipe requires 2 McIntosh apples, which should be cored and chopped.
What amount of walnuts is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for this recipe.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy side dish featuring whole grains, fruit, and nuts.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it can be served as a side dish or used as a stuffing for other items.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a classic holiday recipe from Better Homes & Gardens.
How long should the dish stand before serving?
Let the rice medley stand for about 5 minutes after cooking before you serve it.