Wild Rice Dressing

A sophisticated side dish combining wild rice with toasted pecans, sautéed leeks, and mixed mushrooms in a honey-orange vinaigrette. Perfect for special occasions or as an elevated accompaniment to any meal.

8 servings
1 hr 23 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecans
  • 2 cups wild rice
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 large leeks
  • 12 oz mushrooms
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • 2 tsp chopped thyme
  • cup sliced chives

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until slightly darkened and fragrant, 6-8 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

    8 min

  2. 2.

    Cook wild rice in a large pot of boiling salted water until most of the grains have split and all are tender, 40-50 minutes; drain and rinse under cold running water. Shake off as much water as possible and let cool.

    50 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, orange juice, and honey in a large bowl to combine. Add garlic and let sit 10 minutes to infuse. Fish out garlic; discard. Add rice and toss to coat.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook leeks, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned in spots, 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and transfer to bowl with rice; toss to coat.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Wipe out skillet and heat another 1/4 cup oil over medium-high until just beginning to smoke. Arrange mushrooms in skillet in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until undersides are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, toss, and continue to cook, tossing often and reducing heat as needed to avoid scorching, until golden brown all over, about 3 minutes longer. Mix in thyme and immediately transfer to bowl with rice. Add pecans and chives and drizzle with more oil; toss once more.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Rice can be cooked 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Dressing can be made 3 hours ahead; store tightly wrapped at room temperature.