A medley of wild and white rice combined with roasted chestnuts, orange, honey, and fresh thyme makes a versatile, great-tasting side dish that pairs well with any type of roasted poultry, pork or ham.
Since this dish can be made ahead and reheated, it’s a good side dish choice for entertaining, particularly around the holidays as chestnuts are a traditional ingredient.
Orange Scented Wild Rice and Chestnuts
This blend of wild rice, white rice, and chestnuts is a versatile, make-ahead side dish with rich, earthy flavors and a mix of interesting textures.
Ingredients
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup wild rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 3/4 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb chestnuts, roasted, peeled and chopped (see instructions below)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in the wild rice and the wine.
- Cover tightly, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the grains are tender, about 45 minutes.
- Stir in the white rice, cover again and simmer until all the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the butter, chestnuts, orange zest, orange juice, honey, and thyme.
- Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm until ready to serve, up to 1/2 hour.
How To Roast Chestnuts:
- Choose chestnuts that are plump and firm with no visible blemishes or mold.
- To roast, cut an "X" into the flat side of each chestnut with a sharp paring knife.
- Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and peel off the outer shell and skin while the chestnuts are still hot because once they cool, peeling becomes a good deal more difficult.
- You may want to reduce the oven temp to about 250°F and work with just a few nuts at a time.
Recipe Notes
This dish may be prepared in advance and reheated. Stir in an extra tablespoon each of orange juice and butter, cover tightly and place in a 300°F for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring once after about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Orange Scented Wild Rice and Chestnuts
Amount per Serving
Calories
328
% Daily Value*
Fat
6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Cholesterol
10
mg
3
%
Sodium
119
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
59
g
20
%
Fiber
5
g
21
%
Sugar
15
g
17
%
Protein
6
g
12
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.
Karen D says
Love the earthiness imparted by chestnuts and the wild rice! Nice stuffing combo!