Smoky Wild Rice and Brussels Sprouts Medley
This Smoky Wild Rice and Brussels Sprouts Medley is a delightful culinary creation inspired by a beloved Costco side dish. Packed with nutty wild rice, freshly roasted Brussels sprouts, and velvety smoked Gouda cheese, this salad is a flavor explosion. The addition of sweet-tart craisins and crunchy slivered almonds adds texture and depth, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a wholesome dish to enjoy on its own. Serve it warm to melt the cheese just right and experience comfort in every bite.
8
Servings
225
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
wild rice
1 cup (uncooked)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Brussels sprouts
1 lb (trimmed and thinly shaved crosswise)
smoked Gouda cheese
1 cup (shredded)
craisins
1 cup (chopped into smaller bits)
almonds
1/2 cup (slivered)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the wild rice under cold water. Cook the rice according to the package directions, typically simmering for about 45-50 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.
2
While the rice is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the thinly shaved Brussels sprouts to the pan, seasoning them with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the sprouts for approximately 8-10 minutes until they become tender and acquire a beautiful, golden-brown color.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed Brussels sprouts, shredded smoked Gouda cheese, chopped craisins, and slivered almonds. Toss everything together gently to ensure even mixing. The heat from the rice and sprouts will help melt the cheese.
4
If the salad appears too thick, feel free to add a splash of warm water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed.
5
Serve the salad warm, with each person receiving about 3/4 cup for a satisfying serving.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Carbs
6.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
3.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Wild Rice and Brussels Sprouts Medley?
This dish is a flavorful salad featuring nutty wild rice, roasted Brussels sprouts, smoked Gouda cheese, craisins, and slivered almonds, inspired by a Costco side dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the recommended serving size for this dish?
A satisfying serving size is approximately 3/4 cup.
How many calories are in one serving of this medley?
Each serving contains 225 calories.
How long does it take to cook the wild rice?
The wild rice typically takes about 45-50 minutes of simmering to become tender.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a vegetarian comfort food dish.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded smoked Gouda cheese, which provides a velvety texture and smoky flavor.
How should I prepare the Brussels sprouts?
The Brussels sprouts should be trimmed and then thinly shaved crosswise before sautéing.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the sprouts?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should the Brussels sprouts be sautéed?
Sauté the sprouts for approximately 8-10 minutes until they are tender and golden-brown.
Are the craisins added whole?
No, the recipe suggests chopping the craisins into smaller bits before adding them to the bowl.
What kind of nuts are included in this medley?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of slivered almonds for added crunch.
How much protein is in a single serving?
There are 6.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 27.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
This medley provides 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there much sugar in this dish?
There are 3.75 grams of sugar per serving, largely coming from the craisins.
What should I do if the salad consistency is too thick?
If the salad appears too thick, you can add a splash of warm water to achieve your desired consistency.
How do I ensure the smoked Gouda melts properly?
The heat from the freshly cooked wild rice and the sautéed Brussels sprouts will help melt the cheese when tossed together.
Should I rinse the wild rice before cooking?
Yes, the instructions recommend rinsing the wild rice under cold water before you begin cooking.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the dish?
Absolutely, you should taste the final mixture and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed.
What is the primary flavor profile of this recipe?
The dish features a combination of nutty, smoky, sweet, and tart flavors.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, while it is a great side dish, its wholesome ingredients make it suitable to enjoy as a standalone meal.
What is the first step in preparing this recipe?
The first step is to rinse the wild rice and start cooking it according to package directions.
What happens if I don't have smoked Gouda?
While smoked Gouda provides the signature smoky flavor, you can substitute with other shredded cheeses, though the flavor profile will change.
Are the almonds toasted?
The recipe uses slivered almonds; while toasting isn't required in the instructions, it can be done for extra depth.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, with ingredients like Brussels sprouts, wild rice, and almonds, it is tagged as a healthy recipe.
What color should the sprouts be when finished?
They should acquire a beautiful, golden-brown color during the 8-10 minute sauté.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
Wild rice is naturally gluten-free; ensure your cheese and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 8 main ingredients: wild rice, olive oil, Brussels sprouts, smoked Gouda, craisins, almonds, salt, and pepper.
Should I serve this dish warm?
Yes, serving it warm is recommended to ensure the cheese is melted and the textures are optimal.