This simple fall recipe is brimming with the comforting aromas and flavors of the season. It's the perfect holiday side dish or wholesome weeknight meal and it's gluten-free and vegetarian. The Fortune Favors candied pecans add a perfect crunch and sweetness to tie it all together.
Ingredients
3/4 cup Fortune Favors The Classic or The Gold, roughly chopped
2 cups vegetable stock
2 cups water
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cinnamon stick
3/4 cup wild rice, rinsed
1 cup black rice, rinsed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or pecan oil, if available)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 large sweet onion, diced
2 cups butternut squash, diced
1 medium tart apple, peeled and diced
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup dried currants
Directions
Bring stock, water, nutmeg, ginger, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, cloves, and cinnamon stick to a boil in a medium size saucepan. Add rice and bring back up to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and half cover with a lid. Allow rice to simmer for about 45 minutes or until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove and discard cinnamon stick.
While rice is cooking, heat olive or pecan oil and butter in a large skillet. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent; about 4 minutes. Add butternut squash and cook, stirring often, until squash is tender and beginning to caramelize at the edges, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add apples and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes or until apples soften. Season mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the currants and remove mixture from heat.
Stir butternut squash mixture with cooked rice and adjust seasoning to taste.
Add chopped pecans and gently fold into mixture. Serve warm or room temperature.
Servings: 12
Notes: You can also use acorn squash instead of butternut squash or pears instead of apples.
