Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans (chopped)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 2 tbsp butter
- French Sel Gris (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any excess starch. In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the wild rice, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the rice for 40-45 minutes, or until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
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Sauté the Onion: While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and golden brown.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed onions, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Gently mix everything together.
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Season with Sel Gris: Season the pilaf with French Sel Gris to taste. The delicate, briny flavor of this French sea salt adds a savory complexity that balances the sweetness of the cranberries and the nuttiness of the pecans.
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Garnish & Serve: Transfer the pilaf to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle a little extra French Sel Gris on top for an elegant finishing touch.
Why French Sel Gris?
French Sel Gris (also known as "gray sea salt") is harvested from the Guerande region of France, renowned for its unique mineral content and subtle flavor. Its coarse crystals provide a beautiful texture and a complex brininess that elevates this wild rice pilaf. The salt's mild, earthy flavor enhances the savory elements of the dish while balancing the sweetness of the cranberries and the richness of the pecans, creating a perfectly harmonious bite.
Ready to elevate your side dishes? Add French Sel Gris to your kitchen today and discover how this refined, mineral-rich salt can transform your recipes with its depth of flavor and exceptional texture!
Serving Suggestion:
Serve this Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans as a standout side dish in a rustic bowl or on a wooden platter. The contrast of the deep brown rice, bright red cranberries, and crunchy pecans makes it visually stunning, while the fresh parsley adds a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, stuffing, or any holiday spread.
Ready for More Mouthwatering Recipes?
If you love this wild rice pilaf, you’ll want to check out our full Thanksgiving Recipe Collection—exclusively for Salty Chef Club members! Our collection features a variety of dishes that celebrate the best in seasonal ingredients, with the finest premium sea salts to bring out incredible flavor.
Download the Full Thanksgiving Recipe Collection Now!
Happy Thanksgiving from Caravel Gourmet!
