Wild Rice with Butternut Squash and Dried Cherries

Wild Rice with Butternut Squash and Dried Cherries
Wild Rice with Butternut Squash and Dried Cherries
Wild rice with butternut squash and dried cherries is a delicious dish that brings the flavors of fall to life. This recipe combines wild rice's earthy nuttiness with butternut squash's creamy texture and cherries' bright sweetness. Try and use hand-harvested wild rice, when you're making this recipe, which tastes better and is more respectful of the cultural traditions surrounding this ingredient. Hand-harvested wild rice can cost a little more but is worth it. This is a recipe I love to make in the fall; it's particularly good with grilled pork tenderloin with fresh herbs or smoked turkey. With its delicious flavors and fantastic presentation, it's the kind of recipe that could easily become a Thanksgiving or Christmas tradition. There are enough interesting flavors and textures in this dish that it also can be served as the main course for a vegetarian dinner.
  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 8
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 medium butternut squash
  • 1 1/2 cups wild rice
  • 2 cups dried cherries
  • Carbohydrate 54.9719789415073 g
  • Cholesterol 7.62578125327025 mg
  • Fat 3.55528157174654 g
  • Fiber 6.41707997513062 g
  • Protein 8.12509549280139 g
  • Saturated Fat 1.93352013187107 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 serving (234g)
  • Sodium 29.5407310985048 mg
  • Sugar 48.5548989663767 g
  • Trans Fat 0.306651320599186 g
  • Calories 266 calories

A Taste of Autumn: Wild Rice with Butternut Squash and Dried Cherries

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But there are times when even a simple dish can transport you, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to your evening. This Wild Rice with Butternut Squash and Dried Cherries recipe is one of those dishes. It's surprisingly simple to prepare, yet the flavors are rich and complex, perfect for a cozy autumnal dinner or a festive holiday side. The earthy wild rice provides a satisfying base, the sweet and creamy butternut squash adds a delightful texture, and the tartness of the dried cherries brightens everything up beautifully. It's a dish that speaks of comfort and home, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don't need a vast array of ingredients or complicated techniques. The focus is on letting the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through. I love using hand-harvested wild rice whenever possible; the slight extra cost is well worth the superior taste and the knowledge that I'm supporting sustainable practices. The roasting of the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness, and the addition of butter during the final sauté adds richness and depth. The dried cherries, with their sweet and slightly tart notes, provide the perfect counterpoint to the earthy wild rice and the subtle sweetness of the squash. This isn't just a side dish; it's a complete meal in itself, especially if you pair it with a simple protein like grilled chicken or fish. The balance of textures – the chewy wild rice, the tender squash, and the juicy cherries – creates a truly satisfying culinary experience. And the best part is, the leftovers are even better the next day!

This recipe has become a staple in our home, a go-to meal on busy weeknights and a cherished addition to our holiday gatherings. It's a dish that effortlessly blends sophistication with simplicity, making it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal occasions. The warm, inviting flavors are sure to impress your guests, leaving them wanting more. It's more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug, a reminder of the simple pleasures of good food and good company. And the fact that it’s relatively easy to prepare makes it all the more appealing. I highly recommend giving it a try – you won’t be disappointed.

Tips and Variations:

  • For a richer flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the wild rice.
  • Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as sage or thyme, for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Toasted pecans or walnuts would make a wonderful addition to the dish, providing a crunchy texture.
  • If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can increase the amount of dried cherries.
  • This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping.

This Wild Rice with Butternut Squash and Dried Cherries recipe is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of autumn's bounty, a testament to the magic that can be created with simple ingredients and a touch of love. So, go ahead, embrace the simplicity and savor the delightful flavors of this truly special dish.

Step-by-step

    • Rinse the wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water and the wild rice to a boil, cover, turn the heat down to a simmer, and cook for 40 minutes.
    • Cut the butternut squash in half, remove the seeds, rub it lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    • Roast the squash, cut side down, in a 350ºF oven for 35 to 45 minutes. The squash should be cooked through but not so soft that it falls apart.
    • Once the wild rice has finished cooking, drain the remaining water and set it aside. It should still have a bit of chew to it.
    • When the squash is finished, remove the skin and cut the squash into bite-sized pieces.
    • In a large pan, sauté the squash in butter for a couple of minutes.
    • Add in the wild rice, cherries, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of pepper and continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and to mix everything together.
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