Wild Rice with Apples

Try this fresh and unusual combination of apples and wild rice with apple cider, fresh thyme, and garlic.

Serves: 8               Prep Time:  15 minutes               Simmer Time:  1 Hour

If Pink Lady apples aren't available, use any crisp, sweet apple, such as Honeycrisp or Macoun, or try an heirloom variety.

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 cups chopped Pink lady apples
• 1 cup chopped leek
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 cups uncooked wild rice
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add apple; sauté 7 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.  Remove from pan.
2. Reduce heat to medium.  Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in pan.  Add leek; cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.  Add garlc; cook 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. Stir in broth, 2 cups water, cider, and thyme;  bring to a boil.  Stir in rice; reduce heat, and simmer 55 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.  Drain and discard excess liquid.  Return rice mixture to pan over medium heat.  Stir in apple, pecans, salt, and pepper; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 3/4 cup)

Calories 243; Fat 6.9g (sat 2.2g, mono 2.8g, poly 1.5g); Protein 7.2g; Carb 40.5g; Fiber 3.6g; Chol 8mg; Iron 1.2mg; Sodium 370mg; Calc 23mg