Thanksgiving Makeover Fruited Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe

Thanksgiving Makeover Fruited Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe 

This Fruited Wild Rice Pilaf is a beautiful Thanksgiving makeover side—earthy wild rice, fluffy grains, sweet dried fruit, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs. It’s lighter than stuffing, naturally gluten-free, and pairs perfectly with turkey, gravy, and roasted vegetables.

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📋 Ingredients

For the Wild Rice Pilaf

• 1 cup wild rice (or wild rice blend)

• 2½ cups chicken or vegetable stock

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup celery, finely diced

• ½ cup carrot, finely diced

• ½ tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

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Fruited & Nutty Add-Ins

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ⅓ cup dried apricots, finely chopped

• ¼ cup golden raisins

• ½ cup toasted pecans or sliced almonds

• 1 tsp orange zest

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

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Herb Finish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, sliced

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🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Wild Rice

1. Rinse wild rice thoroughly.

2. In a saucepan, combine rice and stock.

3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 40–45 minutes until grains burst and are tender.

4. Drain excess liquid if needed. Fluff and set aside.

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2️⃣ Build the Pilaf Base

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.

2. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot until soft (6–8 minutes).

3. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

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3️⃣ Combine & Layer Flavor

1. Stir cooked wild rice into the skillet.

2. Fold in dried cranberries, apricots, raisins, nuts, orange zest, and orange juice.

3. Cook 2–3 minutes until heated through and aromatic.

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4️⃣ Finish with Herbs

1. Remove from heat.

2. Gently fold in parsley, thyme, and chives.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

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🌟 Thanksgiving Makeover Touches

• Turkey Drippings Boost: Replace ¼ cup stock with turkey pan drippings for deep holiday flavor

• Roasted Squash Upgrade: Add 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes

• Cranberry-Orange Flair: Increase orange zest and finish with a drizzle of honey

• Mediterranean Twist: Add toasted pine nuts and dried cherries

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🍽️ Make-Ahead & Serving Tips

• Make Ahead: Cook rice up to 2 days ahead; reheat with a splash of stock

• Serve Warm or Room Temp: Perfect for buffet-style Thanksgiving

• Leftover Magic: Stuff into peppers or serve under leftover turkey

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⭐ Why This Dish Shines

✔️ Naturally gluten-free
✔️ Lighter than traditional stuffing
✔️ Sweet–savory balance
✔️ Beautiful holiday presentation

OTHER RECIPES

Thanksgiving Ingredients 

 * 1 small onion, chopped 

 * 1 celery rib, chopped 

 * 1 small carrot, finely chopped 

 * 1 garlic clove, minced 

 * 1 tablespoon butter 

 * 3/4 cup uncooked brown rice 

 * 1/3 cup uncooked wild rice 

 * 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth or vegetable broth 

 * 1-1/4 cups water 

 * 3/4 cup golden raisins and cherries 

 * 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley 

 * 1/4 teaspoon salt 

 * 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme 

 * 1/8 teaspoon rubbed sage 

 * 1/8 teaspoon pepper 

 * 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted 

 Thanksgiving INSTRUCTIONS 

 * In a large saucepan, saute the onion, celery, carrot and garlic in butter until tender. Add brown rice and wild rice; stir to coat. 

 

* Stir in the broth, water, fruit, parsley, salt, thyme, sage and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 50-60 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. 

 

* Remove from the heat; stir in pecans. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. Cool. Enjoy the Thanksgiving Makeover Fruited Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe !!

Thanksgiving Makeover Fruited Wild Rice Pilaf Video :