This elegant wild rice pilaf is a sophisticated side dish that balances earthy, nutty grains with sweet, tender chestnuts and bright bursts of dried currants. The addition of aniseed and fresh orange zest adds a subtle aromatic lift, while sauted shallots and celery provide a savory foundation. Perfect for holiday tables, autumn dinners, or as a comforting vegetarian main, this dish offers a beautiful texture contrast between the chewy wild rice and soft chestnuts. Its a reliable recipe that feels luxurious yet comes together easily in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop.
Wild Rice With Chestnuts
Description
This elegant wild rice pilaf is a sophisticated side dish that balances earthy, nutty grains with sweet, tender chestnuts and bright bursts of dried currants. The addition of aniseed and fresh orange zest adds a subtle aromatic lift, while sauted shallots and celery provide a savory foundation. Perfect for holiday tables, autumn dinners, or as a comforting vegetarian main, this dish offers a beautiful texture contrast between the chewy wild rice and soft chestnuts. Its a reliable recipe that feels luxurious yet comes together easily in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop.Ingredients
Directions
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Heat the oil in a heavy 2-quart saucepan or pressure cooker over medium heat.
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Add the shallots and celery and saut, stirring frequently, until softened slightly, about 1 minute.
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Stir in the wild rice, chestnuts, currants, aniseed, salt, and water.
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Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer until most of the grains have butterflied and almost all the liquid has been absorbed, about 50 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and dry out.
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If there is excess liquid remaining, lift out the rice with a slotted spoon or drain carefully, reserving the liquid for stock if desired.
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Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the orange zest.
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Break up the chestnuts into 2 to 3 pieces with a fork, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 33.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.8g6%
- Saturated Fat 0.6g3%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.0mg0%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 0.0g0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.