Imagine a stuffing so delicious, so packed with flavor, that even die-hard meat-lovers will be begging for seconds - and it's completely vegan! This Easy Vegan Wild Rice Stuffing is not just a side dish; it's a culinary adventure that brings together the earthy richness of wild rice, the sweet tang of dried cranberries, and the hearty crunch of mushrooms and walnuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or anyone looking to elevate their plant-based cooking game, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, heat a small amount of vegetable broth over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add chopped mushrooms to the pan and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Pour the remaining vegetable broth into the pan and add the wild rice, dried cranberries, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until the wild rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let the stuffing rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid.
- If using, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then fold them into the finished stuffing.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Tips
- Rinse your wild rice thoroughly to remove any bitter residue and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking process - low and slow is the key to perfectly tender wild rice.
- Toast the walnuts just before adding them to bring out their rich, nutty flavor.
- For extra depth, consider using a mix of mushroom varieties like shiitake and cremini.
- If you prefer a moister stuffing, add a bit more vegetable broth during cooking.
- This stuffing can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday planning.
- Feel free to customize by adding herbs like sage or rosemary for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
