This vibrant Wild Rice & Hazelnut Salad offers a delightful balance of nutty, sweet, and citrus notes. The chewy texture of the wild rice pairs perfectly with crunchy toasted hazelnuts and plump, orange-soaked currants. Fresh fennel and crisp apple add a refreshing crunch and subtle anise flavor, while a hazelnut oil vinaigrette ties everything together. It is an excellent choice for a hearty side dish, a light lunch, or a picnic fare that travels well. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a satisfying and elegant addition to any meal.
Wild Rice & Hazelnut Salad
Description
This vibrant Wild Rice & Hazelnut Salad offers a delightful balance of nutty, sweet, and citrus notes. The chewy texture of the wild rice pairs perfectly with crunchy toasted hazelnuts and plump, orange-soaked currants. Fresh fennel and crisp apple add a refreshing crunch and subtle anise flavor, while a hazelnut oil vinaigrette ties everything together. It is an excellent choice for a hearty side dish, a light lunch, or a picnic fare that travels well. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a satisfying and elegant addition to any meal.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC).
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Rinse the wild rice thoroughly and soak in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
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Place rinsed rice in a pot with 4 cups of fresh water and salt. Bring to a boil.
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Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until grains are swollen, tender, and chewy, about 30 to 35 minutes.
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Pour cooked rice into a colander to drain briefly. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes, until fragrant.
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Let hazelnuts cool slightly, then rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove most skins.
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Roughly chop the toasted hazelnuts, leaving pieces fairly large.
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Rinse currants in warm water, squeeze dry, and cover with orange juice to soak.
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Prepare your hazelnut oil vinaigrette according to your preferred recipe.
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Add soaked currants and chopped fennel to the warm rice. Toss with the vinaigrette.
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Just before serving, chop the apple into small pieces and add to the rice mixture along with the chopped hazelnuts.
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Toss everything together gently. Season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if needed. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 70.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2437.9mg102%
- Total Carbohydrate 15.6g6%
- Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
- Sugars 2.2g
- Protein 1.4g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.