Wild Rice Dried Fruit and Toasted Hazelnut Stuffing

Elevate your holiday table with this Wild Rice Dried Fruit and Toasted Hazelnut Stuffing, a delightful fusion of earthy, sweet, and nutty flavors. This recipe combines tender, nutrient-packed wild rice simmered in savory vegetable broth with a colorful medley of dried cranberries and apricots, adding a natural sweetness to every bite. Toasted hazelnuts offer a rich, crunchy texture, perfectly complemented by aromatic herbs like fresh thyme and parsley. Sautéed vegetables—onions, celery, and carrots—create a hearty base for this gluten-free stuffing, making it an excellent option for those seeking a vegetarian or allergy-friendly side dish. Whether served warm as a standalone dish or nestled in a roast, this stuffing is bound to become a seasonal favorite. With its vibrant ingredients and balanced flavors, this recipe is a show-stopping addition to any festive gathering.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Wild rice
• 2.5 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 Celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium Carrot, diced
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup Dried apricots, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.75 cup Toasted hazelnuts, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the wild rice under cold, running water and drain well.

Step 2

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed wild rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and the grains have split open. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, toast the hazelnuts. Preheat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the hazelnuts and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat, chop, and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet, followed by the dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, toasted hazelnuts, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 7

Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Remove from heat and taste. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish or stuffing. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1452.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2353.0

Total Fat 87.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2857.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 361.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 49.2g	0%
Total Sugars 163.3g
Protein 52.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 383.9mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 3907.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.2%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 59.2%