Sweet & Nutty Cranberry Walnut Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe

Cozy autumn evenings call for this delightful cranberry walnut sweet potato wild rice pilaf that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table.

Bold flavors dance together in this hearty dish, blending nutty wild rice with creamy sweet potatoes.

Tart cranberries add a vibrant pop of color and tangy brightness to each forkful.

Toasted walnuts contribute a satisfying crunch that elevates every bite with rustic charm.

Packed with nutrients and complex textures, this pilaf offers a sophisticated side dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

The combination of ingredients creates a symphony of tastes that will delight your palate and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Serve this pilaf alongside roasted meats or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian meal that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

How to Store Wild Rice Pilaf the Right Way

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare this wild rice pilaf in advance and refrigerate for up to 4 days, ensuring quick and delicious meals throughout the week. Individual portions store perfectly in airtight containers.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Cool the pilaf completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 3 months, allowing effortless future meal solutions when time is tight.
• Refreshing Reheating Technique: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth when warming leftover pilaf to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Microwave or gently reheat in a skillet for best texture restoration.
• Temperature Safety Tip: Always refrigerate wild rice pilaf within 2 hours of cooking. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to maintain nutritional quality and prevent potential bacterial growth during storage.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

Cranberry Walnut & Sweet Potato Wild Rice Pilaf Ingredients

• Wild Rice/Brown Rice Blend: Hearty whole grain mix providing robust texture and nutty flavor, choosing a blend with multiple rice types enhances complexity.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that infuses deep flavor and moisture, selecting low-sodium allows better control of salt levels.

• Bacon, Red Onion, Garlic: Savory trio creating rich umami foundation, selecting thick-cut bacon and fresh local onions intensifies taste profile.
• Dried Parsley, Dried Thyme, Black Pepper: Aromatic herb blend offering warm earthy undertones, ensuring herbs are fresh and recently purchased maximizes potency.

• Walnuts, Dried Cranberries: Crunchy nuts and sweet-tart berries adding delightful contrast, choosing plump cranberries and lightly toasted walnuts elevates overall experience.
• Sweet Potato: Creamy root vegetable bringing natural sweetness and vibrant color, selecting firm potatoes with smooth skin ensures best results.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle herbal note providing depth, using fresh bay leaf releases more complex aromatics.
• Olive Oil: Smooth binding agent enhancing overall recipe cohesiveness, selecting extra virgin variety adds delicate fruity undertone.

Tools for Making Sweet Potato Wild Rice Pilaf

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for boiling broth and cooking wild rice perfectly.
• Tight-Fitting Lid: Crucial for trapping steam and ensuring rice cooks evenly.
• Frying Pan: Versatile tool for toasting walnuts and sautéing sweet potatoes and other ingredients.
• Fork: Perfect for fluffing rice and gently mixing ingredients without crushing them.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.

How to Cook Cranberry Walnut Wild Rice Pilaf

• Liquid Foundation

Bring rich broth to a bubbling boil in a medium saucepan, creating a warm cooking environment for wild rice and herbs.

• Rice Symphony

Blend wild rice with fragrant herbs, nestling them into the boiling liquid. Reduce heat to a gentle whisper, covering tightly to trap magical flavors inside.

• Patient Cooking

Allow rice to transform quietly for 45 minutes, absorbing every droplet of broth’s essence. Let it rest covered after removing from heat.

• Nutty Warmth

Gently dance walnuts in a dry pan until they release their toasty aroma, then set aside for later magic.

• Vegetable Canvas

Drizzle olive oil into the pan, introducing sweet potatoes, onions, smoky bacon, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, encouraging vegetables to soften and caramelize.

• Fruity Finale

Sprinkle cranberries into the vegetable medley, adding vibrant color and tangy brightness. Reunite toasted walnuts with this autumn melody.

• Pilaf Harmony

Fluff rice delicately, removing any herb remnants. Fold vegetable mixture into rice, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that celebrate seasonal abundance.

Tips for a Festive Wild Rice Pilaf Dish

• Skip the bacon for a vegetarian version or swap with smoked paprika to maintain a rich, smoky flavor profile.
• Experiment with quinoa or barley instead of wild rice for different textures and nutritional benefits.
• Prepare the entire dish up to two days in advance and gently reheat before serving to enhance flavor melding.
• Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a personalized crunch that suits your taste preferences.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg during sweet potato cooking for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the cranberries and nuts perfectly.

Serving Sweet Potato Pilaf with Style

• Festive Family Feast: Serve this pilaf as a delightful side dish during holiday gatherings, offering a colorful and nutritious addition to your main course.
• Gourmet Lunch Bowl: Transform the pilaf into a hearty lunch by topping it with grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or a soft-poached egg for extra protein and richness.
• Vegetarian Delight: For vegetarian guests, replace bacon with roasted butternut squash or crispy tempeh to maintain the dish's robust flavor profile and textural complexity.
• Meal Prep Champion: Store the pilaf in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for quick weekday lunches or convenient dinner sides that stay fresh and tasty.

Hearty Cranberry Walnut Sweet Potato Wild Rice Pilaf

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Harvest-inspired cranberry walnut & sweet potato wild rice pilaf celebrates seasonal warmth with hearty ingredients. Nutty wild rice and roasted sweet potatoes create a comforting side dish you’ll savor during cooler months.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup wild rice/brown rice blend
• 1 cup sweet potato (peeled and diced small)
• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 slices bacon (chopped small)
• ⅓ cup (40 g) chopped walnuts
• ⅓ cup (50 g) chopped red onion
• ⅓ cup (40 g) dried cranberries
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Bring vegetable broth to a vigorous boil in a medium saucepan, then add bay leaf, parsley, thyme, and wild rice blend. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed and rice becomes tender.
2. Nut Toasting: In a skillet, gently warm walnuts over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching, then set aside on a separate plate.
3. Vegetable Sautéing: Using the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté sweet potatoes, onions, bacon, and garlic with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until sweet potatoes turn golden and fork-tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Fruit Integration: Add dried cranberries to the skillet, cooking briefly to soften, then fold in toasted walnuts for even distribution.
5. Final Assembly: Remove bay leaf from rice, fluff grains with a fork, and gently combine with the sweet potato and cranberry mixture. Season to taste, ensuring balanced flavors.
6. Serving: Present the pilaf immediately while warm, showcasing the vibrant blend of textures and aromatic ingredients.

Notes

• Toast Nuts Carefully: Gently heat walnuts over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a rich, nutty flavor without bitterness.
• Prevent Rice Clumping: Use a fork to fluff rice grains after cooking, separating them gently to maintain a light, airy texture and prevent sticking.
• Customize Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the pilaf’s flavor profile matches your personal preference and complements the dish’s natural sweetness.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the pilaf while warm to experience the optimal blend of textures and temperatures, highlighting the dish’s aromatic and fresh ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling, Simmering, Frying, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg