Holiday time means houseguests, and there’s bound to be one with a dietary restriction like gluten intolerance. No worries here! You can still make a yummy holiday meal that will please everyone. Many traditional holiday foods are naturally gluten-free, such as roasted turkey, sides like sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. We guarantee your guests will love this delicious side dish, even if they don’t have gluten intolerance, it’s that delish!
Wild Rice with Dried Cherries and Toasted Pecans
Ingredients:
- ¼ C Butter, divided
- 1 large Leek, sliced
- 1 t fresh Thyme, chopped
- 1 t Kosher Salt, divided
- 3 C Water
- 2 C Chicken Broth
- 1 C uncooked Wild Rice
- 2 C uncooked Long-Grain Brown Rice
- ½ C Turnip, finely chopped
- 1/3 C Carrot, finely chopped
- ¼ C Scallions, sliced
- 2/3 Pecans, chopped and toasted
- ½ C Dried Sweet Cherries, chopped
- 2 t Orange Zest
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Heat two tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leek, thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 3 cups water, chicken broth, and wild rice; cover. Increase heat to high; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Stir in brown rice; cover and simmer 30 minutes more. Remove from heat.
Heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter over high heat in a large skillet; swirl to coat. Add turnip, celery, carrot, scallion and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; sauté, stirring occasionally until tender. Remove from heat.
Combine rice mixture, turnip mixture, pecans, cherries, orange zest and onions in a large bowl. Spoon into oven safe dish and when ready to serve, cover with foil; bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!
Marcia Selden Catering has been creating unique events with an accent on extraordinary food, creativity, and highly polished professional service. The business is a family affair. From her Stamford headquarters, Marcia, with daughter Robin, son Jeffrey, and a team of dedicated and experienced party planners and chefs, work together to create “dream” events. They understand that a great party celebrates life’s milestones and believe in the host’s privilege to avoid stress and enjoy every minute. We are proud supporters of marriage equality. Whatever your desire, whether it’s a low-key clambake on the beach, a lavish over-the-top wedding, or anything in between, they will create a special memory that you and your guests will remember for years.
Marcia Selden Catering and Event Planning, 65 Research Drive, Stamford, 203 353-8000