Wild Rice and Orange Herb Dressing / Thanksgiving 2013

I created this recipe in 2001 after  seeing a similar dish at a local gourmet market. They wouldn't share the recipe. I bought some, took it home, and created this recipe as close as I could based on the look and taste of that one.
They did not have the dressing on theirs, I created that to add additional flavor.
They incorporated white rice, I chose to use brown rice.

I hope someone takes the time to make it and enjoy it.
It has graced our Thanksgiving table for several years and it will again this year.
It is one of my favorite side dishes for Thanksgiving.
It's served cold.


3 C cooked brown rice.  ( 2 C rice, 3 1/2 C water, bring rice and water to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes.

3 C cooked wild rice ( 1 C wild rice, 4 C water, cook same as above directions. ( 50 minutes)

4 TBS butter
1/2 C chopped celery
3 onions, chopped
3/4 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp allspice
1 C dried cranberries
1 C golden raisins
1 C chopped pecans
2 tsp grated orange zest
2 TBS chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Orange Herb Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine:
1/2 C orange juice
2 TBS balsamic vinegar
6 tsp sugar
2 tsp grated orange zest
1 tsp fresh thyme
1/2 tsp minced rosemary
1/2 tsp salt

In a large saucepan over medium heat,
melt butter
Add celery and onion
Saute until tender, 12 minutes
Add cardamom and allspice
Combine well
Remove from heat

In a large bowl:
Mix both rices together with 2 TBS of dressing
Set aside to cool

When cooled,
Add all remaining ingredients, including the rest of the dressing. I use a blending fork and fold in each ingredient separately. Folding with the fork prevents the rice from clumping.
Refrigerate and serve cold.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!

I just finished making this again for Thanksgiving 2015.

This year I used Wild Rice and Purple Rice.
Purple Rice is typically used as a dessert rice.
It has a slightly sweet flavor
and retains it's color after cooking.
It's great for Stuffings, Rice Pudding or as a side dish.

The Onion and Celery with the Spices added.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!