Traditional stuffings tend to be loaded with unneeded butter, so you’ll love the lightness and fresh flavor of this version. Use any nuts your family likes.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups wild rice
  • Salt
  • 4 Tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 leek, cleaned and thinly sliced
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh sage or ½ tsp dried
  • ½ tsp fresh thyme or ¼ tsp dried
  • ¼ cup minced fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

  1. Bring 3 cups water to boil in a medium heavy saucepan over high heat. Stir in rice and salt; reduce heat to very low. Cover and cook 30 minutes, until rice is tender and almost all liquid is absorbed. Drain if necessary.
  2. Preheat oven to 350F. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add leek and celery and cook until softened, about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Fold in rice, cranberries, pecans, sage, and thyme; cook 1 minute.
  3. Pour mixture into a 9-inch casserole or spread in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Cover and bake 20 minutes, until heated through. Garnish with parsley. Serve warm.

Makes about 8 cups.

Make ahead: Wild rice can be cooked 2 days ahead. Let cool uncovered, then cover tightly and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before continuing with recipe.

Nutritional Information

  • 1-cup serving = 180 calories
  • Other vegetable: ½ serving
  • Whole grains: 1 serving
  • Fat: ½ serving