Wild Rice with Apples and Almonds

Wild Rice with Apples and Almonds is a delightful and versatile dish that adds a chewy, crunchy dimension to your meal. This flavorful medley of nuts, fruits, and wild rice is not only a perfect side but also an ideal accompaniment to Indian curry dinners, such as Aloo Gobi or Curried Parsnips. With its rich textures and a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty flavors, this dish is bound to elevate your dining experience.

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup wild rice
• 1/2 cup shelled almonds, whole or in slivers
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 1 Rome or Golden Delicious apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Commence the preparation by boiling the wild rice in 2 1/2 quarts of salted water. This process should continue until the rice achieves a tender texture, which typically takes around 40 minutes. Once done, drain the rice, making sure to save some of the cooking liquid for later use. The rice cooking liquid will infuse additional flavor and moisture into the dish.
2. Now, let’s add a delightful crunch to this dish. Crisp up the almonds by toasting them dry until they become fragrant and develop a shiny appearance. (Refer to “Toasting Nuts” in Chapter 2 for tips on toasting nuts to perfection.)
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat for about 1 minute. Then, add the roughly chopped onion and cook until it softens, which usually takes approximately 5 minutes. Following this, incorporate the diced apple, raisins, and a splash of the reserved rice cooking liquid into the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the apple to turn translucent and the flavors to meld together.
4. With the rice cooked and the apple mixture prepared, it’s time to bring everything together. Combine the cooked wild rice, the apple mixture, the toasted almonds, and season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you desire an extra layer of richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of olive oil or butter, though this is entirely optional and dependent on your preference.
5. To add a final touch of freshness and color, garnish the dish with chopped cilantro or parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also imparts a burst of herbaceous flavor to complement the other elements of the dish.

Wild Rice with Apples and Almonds is a culinary gem that adds depth and complexity to any meal. Its unique blend of wild rice, toasted almonds, sweet apples, and plump raisins creates a harmony of textures and flavors that is both comforting and indulgent.

This dish is not just versatile but also an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into their meals. Whether you serve it as a side dish or alongside your favorite Indian curry, such as Aloo Gobi or Curried Parsnips, it’s sure to be a hit. The subtle sweetness of the apples, the nuttiness of the almonds, and the chewiness of the raisins all come together to create a memorable dining experience.

So, whether you’re seeking an exceptional side dish or a flavorful accompaniment to your curry, Wild Rice with Apples and Almonds is a recipe that will please both your palate and your guests. It’s a culinary journey that combines tradition with innovation, making it a delightful addition to any dining occasion.