Savory Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Cilantro
This Savory Wild Rice Pilaf is a delightful blend of nutty brown and wild rice, complemented by the sweetness of dried cranberries and the freshness of cilantro. Enhanced with aromatic vegetables such as onions and celery, as well as garlic for an added layer of flavor, this dish makes for an excellent side or a hearty vegetarian main. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this pilaf is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its colorful ingredients. Serve it warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown and wild rice mix
1 cup (none)
Diced onion
1 cup (diced)
Diced celery
1/2 cup (diced)
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Chicken base
1 teaspoon (none (use Better than Bouillon))
Water
2 cups (none)
Butter
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried cilantro
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the brown and wild rice mix, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
2
Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the crushed garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4
Once the rice is cooked, add the sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, dried cilantro, and chicken base to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Cover the pot and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes.
6
Remove the lid and continue to cook until any remaining moisture is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Fluff the pilaf with a fork before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Cilantro?
It is a nutty and savory side dish or vegetarian main made with a blend of brown and wild rice, dried cranberries, cilantro, and aromatic vegetables.
How much rice mix is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of brown and wild rice mix.
How much water should I use to cook the rice?
The recipe requires 2 cups of water to cook the rice mix.
How long does the rice need to simmer initially?
The rice should simmer for approximately 30 minutes until it is tender and the water is absorbed.
What vegetables are included in the pilaf?
The pilaf includes 1 cup of diced onion and 1/2 cup of diced celery.
What type of fat is used to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of butter to sauté the onions and celery.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, which should be crushed.
When should I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the crushed garlic to the skillet after the onions and celery have sautéed for 5-7 minutes, then cook for one additional minute.
What provides the sweetness in this pilaf?
Dried cranberries provide a sweet contrast to the savory elements of the dish.
How much dried cilantro is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro.
What kind of broth base is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of chicken base, specifically recommending the Better than Bouillon brand.
How long is the final simmer after combining all ingredients?
Once all ingredients are combined, cover and simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes.
How do I remove excess moisture at the end of cooking?
Remove the lid and continue to cook for about 5 minutes until any remaining moisture is absorbed.
What is the best way to serve the pilaf?
The pilaf should be fluffed with a fork and served warm.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While it contains chicken base, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting it with a vegetable bouillon base.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: rice mix, onion, celery, cranberries, chicken base, water, butter, cilantro, and garlic.
What is the preparation method for the onions?
The onions should be diced before cooking.
What is the texture of this dish?
The dish features a tender, nutty texture from the rice mix with soft sautéed vegetables and chewy cranberries.
Can this recipe be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features whole grain rice and vegetables.
Is the cilantro fresh or dried?
This specific recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro.
What heat level should I use for the initial rice cooking?
Bring the water to a boil first, then reduce the heat to low for simmering.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The onions and celery should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Can I substitute the chicken base?
Yes, vegetable base or a bouillon cube can be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery should be diced.
What makes this pilaf visually appealing?
The colorful contrast of the dark wild rice, red cranberries, and green cilantro makes it visually striking.
Do I need to fluff the rice?
Yes, fluffing with a fork helps separate the grains and improves the texture before serving.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is savory and aromatic with hints of sweetness and herb freshness.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cloves of garlic, crushed.