Are you ready to transform your holiday dinner from ordinary to extraordinary? This wild rice turkey dressing isn't just another side dish—it's a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe! Packed with hearty ground turkey, nutty wild rice, and a symphony of herbs, this dish combines traditional comfort with gourmet sophistication. Whether you're hosting a festive family gathering or looking to elevate your meal prep game, this recipe promises to be the star of your dining table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- wild rice
- ground turkey
- onion
- celery
- chicken broth
- herbs
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of wild rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 45-50 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until completely browned, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Dice the onion and celery into small, uniform pieces. Add to the cooked turkey and sauté until vegetables are softened and translucent.
- Chop fresh herbs such as sage, thyme, and parsley. Add herbs, salt, and pepper to the turkey and vegetable mixture.
- Once wild rice is cooked, fold it gently into the turkey and vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to become slightly crispy and golden brown.
- Let the dressing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Rinse your wild rice thoroughly to remove any bitter residue and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- Moisture Management: Don't overcook the rice—it should be tender but still have a slight bite for the best texture.
- Herb Selection: Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a more vibrant and aromatic dressing.
- Crispiness Hack: Removing the foil in the last few minutes creates a delightful golden-brown crust.
- Flavor Layering: Season each component separately before combining to build depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dressing can be prepared a day in advance and reheated, which often improves its taste.
- Customize Your Blend: Feel free to add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 233kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 27g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
