Looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body? Look no further than this Wild Rice Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner! This vibrant dish combines the earthy flavors of wild rice and sweet potatoes with the freshness of spinach, all sautéed to perfection in a single skillet. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you can whip up a nutritious dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a deliciously satisfying meal that will leave your family asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- wild rice
- sweet potatoes
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- vegetable broth
- spinach
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes (approximately 1/2-inch pieces) to ensure even cooking.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves, preparing them for sautéing.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat until the oil shimmers.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Pour the wild rice into the skillet and stir to combine with the sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic.
- Pour vegetable broth over the rice and sweet potato mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the wild rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing them to wilt slightly.
- Season the skillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and excess liquid to be absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse the wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and excess starch, which helps improve its texture and flavor.
- Uniform Sweet Potato Cubes: For even cooking, make sure to peel and dice the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. This ensures they cook through at the same rate.
- Sautéing Technique: When sautéing the onions, let them cook until they are translucent and slightly golden. This caramelization adds depth to the dish.
- Watch the Garlic: Mince the garlic finely and add it to the skillet just after the onions are done. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Simmering Time: After adding the vegetable broth, cover and simmer on low heat. This allows the wild rice to absorb the flavors and moisture, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Add Spinach at the End: Fold in the fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to season your skillet dinner with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, consider garnishing your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
