Wild Rice and Barley Pilaf With Dried Fruit

Submitted by smellyvegetarian

"This is a takeoff of a Cooking Light recipe which calls for quinoa. I realized at the last minute I didn't have enough, and this recipe was born as a result."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 2 cups vegetable broth or 2 cups chicken broth
• 3⁄4 cup wild rice
• 1⁄4 cup pearl barley
• 1 tablespoon Smart Balance butter spread
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup leek, green parts (or 2 c green and white, omit onion)
• 1⁄2 cup celery, diced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground sage
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries (cherry flavored are great!)
• 1⁄4 cup walnuts, chopped

directions

1. Bring broth and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add wild rice and barley. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Let stand 15 minutes; fluff with a fork.
2. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
3. Add leek, celery, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and sage; cook 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
5. Stir in cooked rice, cranberries, and walnuts; cook until thoroughly heated.

Reviews

[Artandkitchen]

Yumm! for this recipe I used barley (I did not get the pearl one), wild rice mix.<br/>As I did not have celery root I used one big carrot and celery green fresh from the garden that I added at the last moment.<br/>I prepared the double quanty for us 4.<br/>Thanks a lot for your recipe and the perfect instructions for the cooking time!

 

[SarasotaCook]

Very nice! I did need a bit more broth, but turned out wonderful. Great flavor and a wonderful side dish.<br/>Thx

 

[Sydney Mike]

Although I'd intended to add a little more of the vegetable broth (as per Kitzy's review) I forgot, & it actually turned out just fine! We really enjoyed the addition of the berries & TOASTED nuts in this ~ They made this side dish very special! [Tagged, made & reviewed in Please Review My Recipe]

 

[Kitzy]

Very tasty! I loved the cranberry and walnuts. I served this up with a cheesy omelette and it served 4. I ended up needing a bit more liquid than 2 cups.