Wild Rice with Cranberries and Caramelized Onion

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and flavorful Wild Rice with Cranberries and Caramelized Onion. This recipe features nutty, tender wild rice paired with sweet, golden caramelized onions and bursts of tartness from dried cranberries, creating a perfect balance of earthy and sweet flavors. A hint of fresh parsley adds brightness, while optional sliced almonds lend a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a centerpiece for your holiday table or a healthy weeknight side, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and simple techniques, it’s a must-try for fans of wholesome grains and bold flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Wild rice
• 3 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 1 large Yellow onion
• 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the wild rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any debris.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the wild rice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and begins to split open.

Step 4

Drain any excess liquid from the rice and set it aside.

Step 5

While the rice is cooking, peel and thinly slice the yellow onion.

Step 6

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and a small pinch of salt.

Step 7

Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until it becomes golden and caramelized. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the dried cranberries. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the cranberries to soften slightly.

Step 9

Combine the cooked wild rice, caramelized onions, and cranberries in a large bowl. Toss gently to mix.

Step 10

Chop the fresh parsley finely and sprinkle it over the rice mixture. Add black pepper to taste.

Step 11

If desired, top with sliced almonds for a bit of crunch.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or a main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1176.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1377.9

Total Fat 56.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 31mg	0%
Sodium 1257.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 198.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.0g	0%
Total Sugars 54.8g
Protein 31.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 172.2mg	0%
Iron 4.4mg	0%
Potassium 1005.3mg	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: 35.6%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 55.7%