Imagine a dish that transforms humble wild rice into a culinary masterpiece that's both comforting and sophisticated. This Wild Rice Amandine en Casserole is not just a side dish – it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the nutty richness of wild rice, the crunch of toasted almonds, and the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that bridges rustic charm with gourmet elegance.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch casserole dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the rice is partially cooking, dice the onion and chop the green beans into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the partially cooked rice and broth to the prepared casserole dish. Stir in the sautéed onions, chopped green beans, and slivered almonds.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, gently stirring to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the almonds to toast and become lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with additional toasted almonds if desired, and serve hot as a hearty side dish or vegetarian main course.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Crucial: Always rinse wild rice thoroughly to remove any dust or debris and prevent a gritty texture.
- Broth Matters: Use a high-quality vegetable broth for deeper flavor. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought brand works wonderfully.
- Almond Toasting Trick: For extra flavor, lightly toast your almonds in a dry skillet before adding them to the casserole to enhance their nutty profile.
- Liquid Absorption: Don't be tempted to remove the foil too early. The covered cooking allows the rice to steam and absorb liquid perfectly.
- Rest Time is Key: Let the casserole rest after cooking. This allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and helps set the texture.
- Customize Your Casserole: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
