Given that wild rice is an iconic product grown in Manitoba, pulling it into a festive menu was simply too important not to include. Plus, the nutritional benefits outweigh many alternatives—especially with the addition of turmeric. This delicious rice is nutty, a bit sweet, a bit savoury, and a bit tart; paired with high-in-antioxidant berries and a delicious lacing of fresh herbs, this is a perfect side dish for the Three-Way Mixed Holiday Grill.
Tip: Locally grown turmeric?
Although turmeric originated in India, it’s widely cultivated around the world in mostly tropical and subtropical regions. But industrious farm hobbyists are beginning to successfully grow turmeric in Canada. With the right climate and proper care, it’s showing some success in areas where climate is warmer.
Wild and Basmati Rice with Cranberries and Candied Hazelnuts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) wild rice, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus extra
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) kosher salt, divided
- 1 cup (250 mL) boiling water
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) crushed dried red chilies
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) turmeric
- 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh hazelnuts
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups (500 mL) baby spinach leaves, washed and spun dry
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh dill
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) dried cranberries or goji berries
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories265
- protein6g
- fat11g
- saturated fat1g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates38g
- sugars6g
- fibre3g
- sodium211mg
Directions
01
In medium saucepan, add wild rice and cover with 3 cups (750 mL) water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and gently cook, covered, for 35 to 40 minutes. Rice should still be a bit firm. Drain and rinse in cold water. Drain and spread out on cloth-lined baking
02
sheet to dry.
03
In another medium saucepan, add basmati rice, 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil, and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt and stir. Add boiling water, cover, and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, remove lid, place cloth tea towel overtop, and place lid back on top. Set aside for 10 minutes. Remove lid and cloth and cool completely.
04
Heat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In small bowl, combine maple syrup, chili flakes, turmeric, 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt, and black pepper. Stir to blend. Add hazelnuts and stir to coat. Spread out on prepared baking sheet and roast in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until toasted and crunchy. Remove. Cool on baking sheet. Then coarsely chop. Set aside.
05
In large wok or heavy saucepan, heat 1 Tbsp (15 mL) oil. Add sliced onion and sauteu0301 over medium-high heat until softened. Add a splash of water if onion begins to stick. Add cooked wild and basmati rice and stir-fry over medium-high heat until some basmati grains begin to get crispy. Fold in spinach and cook just until it begins to wilt, about 2 more minutes.
06
Remove and fold in fresh herbs. Sprinkle with lemon juice, candied chopped hazelnuts, and dried cranberries. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving, if
07
you wish.
Irene McGuinness
Irene McGuinness is a nutritionist, food writer, food stylist, and recipe developer.
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Banana French Toast with Raspberry Syrup
Custardy French toast drizzled in pure maple syrup is a cozy, cold-weather breakfast classic. We’ve given this recipe a vegan makeover by swapping out eggs in the batter with mashed banana and a bit of ground flaxseed. This clever swap makes the French toast reminiscent of banana bread. Top it off with a decadent drizzle of raspberry syrup and you’re just a quick stint in the kitchen away from breakfast bliss. Citrus swap If you don’t have any bananas around, consider swapping for an orange. In blender, add zest of one large orange along with peeled fruit and other batter ingredients. Blend until smooth and proceed with the recipe as described.
Supersalad with Sprouted Quinoa, Beans, and Roasted Veggies
A satisfying plant-based dinner or packed lunch, quinoa and beans add filling protein, while greens, cucumbers, roasted veggies, and a probiotic-rich dressing bring texture and flavour. Try it with a creamy plant-based cheese on top, or goat cheese for non-plant-based eaters. Mix and match Use this recipe as a guideline. Add in your go-tos such as chopped walnuts or hemp hearts, pitted sliced dates, roasted cauliflower, and crumbled feta (plant-based, if desired).
Curried Coconut Lentil and Rice Porridge
Brown rice and two varieties of lentils cook in one pot with broth, coconut milk, and simple spices. Nourishing spinach and sweet green peas bring this meal to life. It’s true sunshine in a bowl for those cold winter nights. Main grains White basmati rice, short-grain brown rice, quinoa, or millet can be used in place of the brown basmati rice. Try a mixture of grains for added nutrition and taste (e.g., millet and basmati rice, quinoa and millet, and so on).
Sheet-Pan Sprouted Tofu, Mushrooms, and Potstickers with Bok Choy
Sprouted tofu and mushrooms soak up a delicious tamari marinade before being baked along with prepared vegan potstickers and bok choy. A tasty sauce, sesame seeds, and a bed of whole grains to serve tie everything together. Adjust the heat level of this dish in the sauce or at the table so kids can partake. Salad swap Once cool, the tofu mixture can be served on a bed of crunchy romaine for a packable lunch that’ll spark office envy. Keep the sauce on the side and dress right before serving.