Thanksgiving is a time for gathering and sharing, and what better way to celebrate than with a dish that offers a taste of the harvest? This wild rice dressing brings a delightful blend of earthy flavors and hearty textures to your holiday table. Perfect as a side or a stuffing, it’s the kind of recipe that adds warmth and comfort to any feast.
Steps
- Cook the instant long grain and wild rice following the instructions on the package.
- As the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground pork sausage and sage pork sausage. Drain and set the meat aside.
- Using the same skillet, sauté chopped celery, onion, mushrooms, and water chestnuts until they are golden and tender. Add garlic powder for seasoning.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, sausage, vegetable mixture, and beaten eggs. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (4.5 ounces each) of instant long grain and wild rice
- 1 package (16 ounces) of ground pork sausage
- 1 package (16 ounces) of ground sage pork sausage
- ½ cup of chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ pound of fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (5 ounces) of water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 5016 | Total Fat: 384g | Saturated Fat: 132g | Cholesterol: 996mg | Sodium: 10020mg | Total Carbohydrate: 240g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 156g | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 360mg | Iron: 24mg | Potassium: 3576mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the Minnesota Wild Rice Dressing in advance?
- Yes, this wild rice dressing can be made the day before your event. Simply reheat it in the microwave for 10 minutes right before serving.
- What can I use as a substitute for the specific rice blend in the recipe?
- If you cannot find the exact rice blend mentioned, you can substitute it with a combination of wild and brown rice, which has been reported to work well.
- Is it possible to make a healthier version of this dressing?
- For a healthier alternative, you can replace the ground pork sausage with ground turkey. This change should still result in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Can I omit any ingredients if I have dietary preferences or restrictions?
- Yes, ingredients such as water chestnuts can be left out if you are not a fan or have dietary restrictions. The dressing will still turn out delicious.
- What is the nutritional content per serving of this recipe?
- Each serving contains approximately 418 calories, 32g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 13g of protein. Please note these values may vary based on specific ingredient brands used.
Tips
- Prepare the wild rice a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking and make the final preparation quicker.
- Substitute ground turkey for pork sausage if you’re looking for a leaner option. It still provides a rich flavor and is a healthier alternative.
- If water chestnuts aren’t to your taste, feel free to omit them or replace them with another crunchy ingredient like diced bell peppers for a similar texture.
- Ensure that the celery, onions, mushrooms, and any other vegetables are thoroughly cooked and tender before mixing them with the rice and sausage. This will enhance the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
Equipment
- Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan – For cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – For baking the dressing.
- Instant Pot or Rice Cooker (optional) – For preparing the instant long grain and wild rice.
- Microwave-safe Container – If you plan to reheat the dressing in the microwave.
- Oven-safe Dish Cover or Foil – If not included with the baking dish, for covering while baking.
