Best Bites: Wild rice harvest bowls with fig balsamic vinaigrette

AOL.com Editors
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Welcome to Best Bites, a twice-weekly video series that aims to satisfy your never-ending craving for food content through quick, beautiful videos for the at-home foodie.

These wild rice harvest bowls with fig balsamic vinaigrette are both a healthy and hearty option for the fall! Check out the recipe on this episode of Best Bites!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup wild-brown rice blend

  • 1-3/4 chicken broth

  • 3 cups 1” butternut squash cubes (about 1 small squash)

  • 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1/8 teaspoon each garlic powder, chili powder, cinnamon

  • salt and pepper

  • 9 oz thinly shredded Brussels sprouts

  • 1 large or 2 small apples, chopped

  • 3 oz white cheddar cheese, cut into cubes

  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds or pepitas

  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

For the fig balsamic winaigrette:

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons fig jam

  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Add rice and chicken broth to a small saucepan then bring to a boil, place a lid on top, then turn heat down to a simmer and cook for 40-50 minutes or until rice is al dente. Set aside to cool slightly - can be done a day ahead of time.

  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a half sheet panwith nonstick spray. Add butternut squash cubes, 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper then toss to evenly coat. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until squash is tender, stirring halfway through. Set aside to cool slightly - can be done a day ahead of time.

  3. Meanwhile, spray another half sheet pan with nonstick spray. Add shredded Brussels sprouts, remaining 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper then toss with your fingers to evenly coat. Add to oven after stirring the squash then roast together for 8-10 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are tender and golden brown.

  4. For the Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette: Combine ingredients in a bowl or jar with a tight fitting lid then whisk or shake to combine. Taste then add more salt, pepper, and/or fig jam if desired.

  5. In a large bowl combine cooked rice, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, apples, cheese, almonds, and dried cranberries. Drizzle Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette on top then toss to coat and serve.

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