WILD RICE PILAF with PECANS, APPLES & CRANBERRIES

Wild Rice Pilaf with Pecans, Apples & Cranberries

Now that Fall is running straight at us, it's time to think about hearty and flavorful comfort food and side dishes - and being a Minnesota Mama, that immediately brings Minnesota wild rice to mind!  For a nice creamy flavor combination, I use a mixture of wild rice, calmati brown rice, sweet brown rice and heirloom red rice - but you can use any combination of wild and brown rice that you prefer.

In years past we enjoyed variations of this at various lodges along the Gunflint Trail - but I've added my own twist by adding apples and cranberries to the Dijon infused rice to create a sweet and tangy, savory and buttery side dish.

The dried cranberries add sweetness and the sauteed apple balances with a subtle tart flavor. The toasted pecans add a hearty crunch that is totally addictive.  
I hope that you love every delicious mouthful as much as we do!  

Wild Rice Pilaf with Pecans, Apples & Cranberries