Baked Wild Rice with Almonds and Cranberries

This Baked Wild Rice with Almonds and Cranberries recipe offers a delightful and wholesome dish that celebrates the earthy flavors of wild rice, complemented by the sweetness of cranberries and the nutty crunch of sliced almonds. Baking the rice brings out its nutty essence while ensuring even cooking and a tender texture. The combination of aromatic ingredients creates a comforting and flavorful side dish, perfect for any occasion or as a standalone meal option. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe and some tips to achieve the best results.

SERVES 4 TO 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ cups wild rice, rinsed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups water
• ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped fine
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Spread the rinsed wild rice evenly into an 8-inch square glass baking dish.
2. Sauté Onions and Add Water: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter or heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and salt, and cook until the onion softens (approximately 5 to 7 minutes). Stir in the water, cover the pot, increase the heat to high, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir to combine, then immediately pour the mixture over the wild rice in the baking dish. Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
3. Bake the Rice: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the liquid is absorbed, and the wild rice becomes tender. This usually takes 70 to 80 minutes, depending on the specific rice variety and oven.
4. Fluff and Add Cranberries: Remove the baking dish from the oven, uncover it, and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the finely chopped dried cranberries, then re-cover the dish with foil, allowing the rice to sit for 10 minutes. This resting period will help meld the flavors and soften the cranberries.
5. Add Toasted Almonds and Serve: Before serving, fold in the toasted sliced almonds, ensuring they provide a delightful crunch to the dish. Season the Baked Wild Rice with Almonds and Cranberries with salt and pepper to taste. Serve this wholesome and flavorful dish as a delightful side or main course, perfect for a family dinner or special gathering. Enjoy the rich taste of wild rice, the sweetness of cranberries, and the nutty goodness of toasted almonds in each mouthful.

TIPS:

• Choosing the Right Wild Rice: Opt for high-quality, genuine wild rice, not quick-cooking or pre-steamed varieties. Check the package carefully to ensure you’re using pure, unprocessed wild rice for the best flavor and texture.
• Rinsing Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or excess starch. This step will contribute to the distinct, separated grains of cooked wild rice.
• Chopping Cranberries: Finely chop the dried cranberries to ensure they soften and blend perfectly with the steamed rice. This will distribute their sweetness throughout the dish, creating a balanced taste in every bite.
• Substituting Dried Cherries: If desired, you can substitute dried cherries for the cranberries, adding a unique twist to the dish. Dried cherries bring a slightly different flavor profile, enhancing the overall appeal of the recipe.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled if you need to serve a larger group. Simply use a 13 by 9-inch baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Covering the Pot While Boiling Water: It’s essential to cover the pot while bringing the water to a boil in step 2. This prevents excessive water loss due to evaporation, which can affect the rice’s cooking process and final texture.
• Fluffing and Resting the Rice: After baking, fluff the rice with a fork to ensure the grains separate and become light and fluffy. Stir in the chopped cranberries, cover the dish, and allow the rice to rest for an additional 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the cranberries to soften, enhancing the overall taste.
• Adding Almonds Before Serving: To retain their delightful crunch, add the toasted sliced almonds just before serving. This ensures the almonds provide a satisfying texture that complements the tender wild rice and sweet cranberries.