Imagine a side dish that transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece - our Wild Rice with Pecans is exactly that magical recipe! Combining the earthy, nutty flavors of wild rice with the rich, toasted crunch of pecans, this dish is a game-changer that will elevate your dining experience from mundane to extraordinary. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress your family or a food enthusiast seeking a sophisticated yet simple recipe, this wild rice creation promises to be your new go-to side dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the water and becomes tender with a slight chewy texture.
- While the rice is cooking, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor.
- Once the rice is fully cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to be absorbed.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Add the butter to the warm rice and stir until it melts completely, coating the rice evenly.
- Fold in the toasted pecans, distributing them throughout the rice.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Always rinse wild rice thoroughly to remove any dust or debris and prevent a gritty texture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Toast pecans slowly and carefully - their natural oils can burn quickly, so keep stirring and watch closely.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow it to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- For extra flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice.
- If you want a richer taste, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or add a splash of white wine during cooking.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
