Wild Rice and Black Walnut Pilaf

Name: Wild Rice and Black Walnut Pilaf
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice, well rinsed; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1/2 yellow onion, chopped; 1 cup assorted fresh wild mushrooms, stemmed and sliced; 2 celery stalks thinly sliced; 3 cups chicken stock (page 91) or water; 1/4 cup dried currants or dried cranberries; Salt; 1 cup black walnuts, coarsely chopped; 1/2 cup chopped green onions, green parts only, for garnish

December 9, 2011

So-called wild rice is actually a grain that grows in the Great Lakes region and has been harvested by the Ojibway and Cree Indians for centuries. Because of how long it takes to cook, wild rice is perfect for the slow cooker. Black walnuts, native to the central and eastern United States, have a very different flavor than English walnuts, though the garden variety English walnut can be used in a pinch.

Cooks' Note

Suggested Beverage: A crisp, acidic, well-chilled Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, or even a lighter-style Pinot Noir.

Recipe notes

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Salmon With Sizzled Nut Salsa

A savory-hot salsa made with mixed nuts (like the kind dubbed cocktail nuts meant for snacking) gives roast salmon a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.